Treasures of the Past

While early spring cleaning, I came across some papers I saved from 3 years ago. Our church population had acquired a few youth and they were bored with not having anything to do. So they asked for a Spring break vacation bible school.I was already occupied with the task of spring revival as usual, but no one would tackle the children. (Though, they thought it was a good idea.) I ask the lord why me? Can’t somebody else do some of this work? As I prayed, I heard Him Say why not you? The Lord was answering my question with a question.
So it goes, I began preparing for a week of VBS for the children and some of the sisters helped out with the revival. One sister even said “Sister Faye, I don’t think you got a fair deal if you ask me” I ask what she meant but no reply, only a shoulder shrug.

The theme the children picked out was “Building character with Jesus” and the motto was “Please be patient with me. God isn’t through with me yet.” Well, someone suggested cancelling the VBS until July, after invites and enrollments were done. The children were sad and many were coming from over 80 miles to stay with relatives to attend. Again, I stepped up. The VBS was held at my home. Yes my home, right in my kitchen. Attendance was at 20, with half of them my grand children.

During the week of activities and squealing children, the theme and motto, led me to question my ability as a teacher. What had I gotten into? I had all the material needed but no helpers.
I had to pray real hard after the 1st day of VBS. The night before the 2nd day, I ran across the story of Samson. As I read his story, I pondered, “How can a man so flawed in character be used by God?” and how do I apply this to how I’m feeling now? Then I pondered if it was wise for the church or any organization to appoint men and women with similar flaws to potions of leadership today? Can we realistically benefit from their positive abilities while merely glossing over their short comings?

These questions were pertinent to me, especially in light of the insistence by some, that what a person does in private has no bearing on their public service or commitments. (As if, what motivates us in private has no influence on our public behavior.) While a person’s shortcomings should never be used exclusively to gauge their potential for leadership, caution must be exercised to protect not only those to be led from harm, but to guard against placing an individual in a position they can’t handle.

Well, to say the least, I was feeling kind of flawed because of my feelings of inadequacy of handling the children during my 1st day of VBS. God then answered my question of “can you used a flawed person?” The answer was a resounding YES! He does it all the time. Then I ask will God hold us accountable? The answer was given to me in the book of James 3:1, 2. James cautions that, “Not many of you should become teachers… because we who teach will be judged more strictly.” Even as he acknowledges that, he states, “We all make many mistakes.” Paul was speaking of high expectations of leaders in the church.

Lord! This is some serious business. Any activity we participate in must be uplifting rather than degrading, confirming instead of confusing. Lord help me to make your word uplifting to the children so that they may learn of You! Because You said I’m held to a higher standard. My spirit was lifted of the burden and my help was with me. Praise God!

God takes all things and work them to his Glory and to our ultimate benefit. Roman 8:28” And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” Oh! Not forgetting, that was the beginning of my 1st annual VBS. It was the best ever and the children had fun learning about Jesus. I owe it all to my help. I can do all things in Jesus Christ who strengthens me.