Trust – by Crystal Chiddix

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.