Last week I told the story of how an illegal teacher’s strike led to
my principal and his family all coming to know the Lord, as well as opening
the door for a Bible club in an elementary public school.
Being allowed to have a bible club, however, isn’t quite the same as
having a successful one. I would have to pray and seek God’s guidance.
The first thing I was impressed to do came as a surprise. Instead of
directing it myself, I had to put a student in charge. As it turned out,
this was a very wise decision. The student who had initially expressed an
interest it the Bible club agreed to become the director, and it was a
wonderful experience in leadership for him, helping him in his own walk with
the Lord.
The Bible club was run at lunch time, once a week, and we were all
amazed at how many students God brought to that weekly lunch-time meeting.
As a group, it was decided that the members of that club would try to make a
Kingdom difference in the school. Instead of going outside to play, these
students began seeking ways to help their classroom teachers during recess.
Some even began helping the janitor. The staff were amazed, and it helped to
improve the teacher/student relationships all over that school.
The students who attended Bible club also began to draw closer to God.
They began reading their bibles and talking to other students about God. In
fact, whenever one of their friends had a problem, the Bible club members
would bring them to Bible club, and we would pray for that student. This
often resulted in that student giving his/her heart to God as well!
That is what can happen when you let Jesus be at the helm. If I had
insisted on running the Bible club myself, I likely would have taken control
in my own power. By listening to God, however, who impressed me to let
students be in charge, He was able to shine.
What is God doing in and around your life? Remember, you don’t have to
be in charge. In fact, it works better when you put God at the helm…and
sometimes that means you have to back off yourself! Whatever the case, the
Bible club taught me that it is only by relinquishing control to God that
good things can begin to happen. Remember: "Do not be anxious about
anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let
your requests be made known to God." (Phil 4:6 ESV)
Whatever you are facing right now, release it to God. Put Him in the
driver’s seat and leave Him there. Then be prepared to sit back and be
blessed by what He is about to do.
In His love, Rob Chaffart