Honestly I’m not even sure where to begin. Let me start by saying that God is so good. He is so faithful, so loving, so generous, so merciful, and gracious. I could go on forever about how awesome our Lord is. I have been so humbled, and so challenged this week. I have done things that I never thought I would do, and have been out of my comfort zone most of this trip. Without a doubt this trip has been a turning point in my life and I have loved every minute of it. I could go on and on about how wonderful the people are, how different the culture is, and how incredibly blessed we are. I could go on about how I have so much, how I have been so incredibly blessed and never really realized how much so. Instead, I want to share with you how faithful God is.
Each evening for VBS we sing, perform skits, and teach the kids about Jesus. I was informed a couple months ago that I would be teaching on Sunday night. I was given the theme of “See Me. Who Jesus is”. The scripture that I was given was John 1:29-34. At first I was excited but as I began to pray and prepare I began to feel discouraged. The more I studied and prayed the more lost I felt. I was even seeking wise council, but I still had nothing. I had no idea how I would teach and illustrate this lesson. In fact, I did not even have a complete lesson plan until Saturday! Yes, the day before I teach I finally feel as if I have my lesson together. I have never struggled this much with teaching. I absolutely love teaching so needless to say this was difficult for me. I am always in such a hurry and I always want things to happen in my timing instead of God’s timing. I trust myself and my own abilities instead of God’s power. I thank the Lord for teaching me that he is always faithful, and that I can do nothing apart from him. You see, I wanted my lesson to come together in my timing, and in my own way. I had to put myself aside and allow the Holy Spirit to lead me instead of me taking the lead. Of course it went well because God is sovereign, Amen?! I had to put my life verses into action. John. 15:5 “….for without me ye can do nothing.” Proverbs 3:5-6 “Trust in the lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” Philippians 4:13 ” I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” These are all familiar verses but God has shown me the power of these verses this summer like I have never known before. I will share one last thing before I conclude. While we were in Livingston I had the opportunity to go bungee jumping. I never thought that I would ever have the opportunity to do this let alone actually do it. Of course I was terrified (we have video to prove it) and right before they guided me to the edge I said Phil. 4:13 in my heart over and over. I knew I could not do it without the Lord. I realized that I can’t do anything without him. Whether it be jumping off a bridge or teaching a Bible lesson to over 800 kids. I must put all my trust in the Lord.
The Jalowiec Family
