A New Role in My Life

A new role at my church has opened to me. It was by chance. But it is something I have prayed about for awhile. I just didn't know it would come this soon.

A wonderful job opened up for the family that was leading one of our teenage small groups. It is a great opportunity for this family and something that the dad of the family has wanted for a long time. But it is in another state. To this family I pray for a smooth transition for them and their children. I pray for safe travels to another state and that God continues to work in their lives, as I am sure He will.

After long thought, prayer and discussion with others who serve our teenagers, Angie Frame (our PCC Pastor to Students) has decided to move from OUR group on Wednesday nights to THIS small group on Tuesday nights.

I know this was not easy for her since she has spent a good amount of time ministering to these teenagers we have on Wednesday nights and loves them as if they were her own . But she knows she is now needed there and has put the trust of OUR group in to my hands.

And I am flattered and humbled and nervous.

I am humbled because she trusts me with them and that means so much. I look up to Angie in so many ways: she is patient and kind and intelligent. She handles situations with dignity and grace. I have BIG shoes to fill (even though she really has tiny feet :))

So in 2 weeks these kids become mine; mine to help along their journey to have their own faith, to decide what to believe, to learn to live righteously, and to trust God and love Him with all their heart.

And I do not take this opportunity lightly. I have many emotions about this new role in my life.

 I am excited. I love being with these students and really enjoy getting to know them. They are wonderful and have so many excellent qualities.

I am nervous. They will look to me for answers and I do not have them all. What "scares" me the most is my lack of Bible knowledge. I do not just "know" scripture off the top of my head- some verses, yes, but not as much knowledge as others who lead small groups. I am still very "green" in this area. But I do know that I am honest enough that I have no problem replying "I do not know that, but I will find out". I did that a lot in my science classes, mostly with new biotechnology questions, but with some other questions as well.

And I really hope my "greenness" doesn't turn anyone away from their path with God.

SO, part of me doesn't feel equipped.

But part of me does feel equipped. I know I love God. I know who Jesus is and his love for us. I know the purpose OF the Bible. And I know I love these students with all my heart. I know I wish I had this type of guidance when I was a teenager (whether I would have listened or not due to my stubbornness?) .

So tonight I ask those of you reading this to please pray for me. Pray for God to use me to help these students and to BE THERE for them. Pray for my words to be HIS words. Pray for guidance that I listen and really see what these students are dealing with, even if they don't come right out and say the real issues. And I ask that you pray for wisdom for me.

James tells us in James 1:5 "⁵ If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. "

And so I pray tonight and will continue to pray that I  be the light of God for these students and they come close to God and His Word.