It's been
a very busy summer, but I'm glad I get a chance to write this. It's been
on my heart since last week, so I've finally gotten the time to put it down.
Last week I volunteered at the Parkside Church Green Campus VBS (Vacation
Bible School). VBS is like a summer camp for kids that usually last about
a week. I had wanted to volunteer at a VBS, but since Parkside's VBS was
held during the day, I couldn't, but I was thrilled that Green's VBS was held
in the evenings! At first it was a little unnerving, since I didn't know anyone
at the church, but they accepted me as part of the family of God, and I was
able to make and work alongside some awesome friends of all ages! I
remember attending a VBS when I was five, but I have not gone since. Now
15 years later, I got to help out with five year olds for a week! It was kinda
neat, as I haven't been around little kids since I was diagnosed.
The theme for the week was "Everest: Conquering Challenges with God's Mighty Power." Sitting in with the kids, it was encouraging to be reminded
of the simple truths of God's word. Sometimes in my Bible readings I'm
looking for the "big" things God wants to tell me. Every night
that week, a different, very basic topic was introduced, in a simplistic
manner. It reminded me that how important the fundamentals of God are.
I'd like to share them with you, along with a brief bit about what each
statement means for me.
1. God has the power to provide:
“And God will generously provide all you
need.” 2Cor. 9:8
This summer, there was a tuition increase, and my biggest
scholarship was cancelled. Thankfully, the tuition increase was repealed,
and I got the scholarship back on probationary status. However, I need to
raise my GPA by .6 points this fall, which to me seems a near
impossibility. This topic was a stinging reminder to me. God is in
control of everything, He will provide for school. I don't have to worry
about the money, or if my grades will be high enough. He will GENEROUSLY
provide all that I need.
2. God has the power to comfort
“He comforts us in all our troubles so
that we can comfort others.” 2Cor 1:4
Not gonna lie, life is hard. It's hard to get up
every morning, and face the battles of trying to control my sugars, feel
alright, deal with how the weather change will affect me, or so many other
things. But God is always there to comfort me, even when others don't
know what is going on. He is there to help me in all my troubles.
And like the verse says, so that we can comfort others. Make it a
point to encourage someone daily. Maybe something as small as texting
them "Have a great day", just to remind them that you and God love
them.
3. God has the power to heal
“He
heals the brokenhearted and bandages their
wounds.” Psalm 147:3
This was a big one for me. I’ve lost the child-like
faith that believes that God has the power to heal. But I’m trying to get
it back. I’ve been so encouraged by hearing others pray with such belief
that God will heal, and claiming his promises to heal.
4. God has the power to forgive
“But you are a God of forgiveness,
gracious and merciful, slow to become angry, and rich in unfailing love.”
Nehemiah 9:17
No matter what I do, God still loves me, and will forgive
me. I've done more than my share of bad things, but I can rest in God's
forgiveness.
5. God will love us forever.
“So that everyone who believes in him will
have eternal life.” John 3:15
This is a long term promise. Forever. No end.
Ever. It's a mind-blowing thought. But every time I feel discouraged
or down, I can remember that God always has and always will love me.
Here is a song that I've used in a prior blog post, but
just seems like a fitting end to this post.
Water you turned into wine, opened the eyes of the blind
there's no one like you, none like You!
Into the darkness you shine out of the ashes
we rise there's no one like you none like You!
Our God is greater, our God is stronger, God
you are higher than any other.
Our God is Healer, Awesome in Power, Our God!
Our God!
And if our God is for us, then who could ever
stop us.
And if our God is with us, then what could
stand against.
And if our God is for us, then who could ever
stop us.
And if our God is with us, then what could
stand against.
What could stand against.
Our God is greater, our God is stronger, God you are higher
than any other.
Our God is Healer, Awesome in Power, Our God!
Our God!
