It started a few weeks ago when I signed up and attended Midnight Train to be retrained to do computer check in for our Children’s ministry. The first week after being trained I arrived and quickly realized there wasn’t an open station that needed me to work. I walked around and quickly noticed that the classes of 4th and 5th grade girls were enormous. One of the youth workers mentioned “Tina you could go in and help this teacher I think she has 50 in her room.” Ugh…..really. I went to the room with much reluctance and quickly reasoned that my body was just adding one more to a packed room that was getting warm and didn’t have enough chairs. I then peaked in my sons 4th grade class and saw boys everywhere. I mean everywhere. I knew that this week was a huge shift as they had made some changes and I hoped that they would resolve themselves….but at the same time I sensed God knocking on my heart. (oh, no Lord, really, that must not be you…..)
The next week I reported again for computer help. No help needed. Peeked in and saw a fully staffed tech team, drama team, coordinators, and computer check in, but again classes were huge as no new teachers had arrived to help. I spoke with one of the staff and they explained that when the youth volunteers all moved back to the same hour they lost a lot of help, the same hour that increased attendance at now the most popular 10 o’clock hour. (again…..the need and God knocking…….) I offered to take a large group of girls who seemed relieved that they may end up with a teacher that eventually would know their name. Looking at their sweet faces and hearing how 3 had just moved to the area from out of state, as well as hearing each share something they are thankful for touched my heart. Despite my reluctance I knew God was leading me not to a computer but to invest in some young girls. For the last several years I have taught women’s studies, as well as high school and middle school groups but I (temporarily sin/insanity) thought that I got to choose or control how to use the gifts God had given me. That I got to make the decisions. Wow.
Then our pastor taught on Lordship and Stewardship and I knew for sure God had orchestrated the confirmation. It actually was a Lordship issue for me and a Stewardship issue of the teaching ability that He entrusted to me. So now I am signed up. I am in. I have jumped in with both feet and will joyfully teach some of the most precious 4th and 5th grade girls I could ask for. I only share this to encourage anyone who may be in the same situation. Maybe you see a need you are convinced someone else will fill. Or maybe you don’t have breakthrough in an area of your life but when you are honest there is an issue of Lordship. I want to encourage you. Did I feel called…..no at the time I didn’t feel called, but I felt compelled. I felt compelled to meet a need that I was capable of meeting. I pray you too quit kicking and screaming and surrender. I have a feeling God has some amazing things in store in this opportunity I almost succeeded in ignoring.
Love this Tina. That’s exactly how I felt a few years ago when I moved into the student ministry. I knew there was a need but I did not feel that I “knew” enough to help lead a class. Thankfully, God opened all of the doors for me to be there and I cannot imagine how empty my life would be with out all of the girls I’ve met and loved. Each child, from children’s ministry to student ministry deserves a class where people know their names… it’s such a small thing that speaks volumes to them.
This really hits home w/ me, too… and I just want to echo Michelle’s comment. I felt drawn to student ministry and (nervously) stepped out, attended Midnight Train, and am getting to know a sweet group of 6th grade girls. So excited about what God is going to do!!