What an amazing week we have had at Vacation Bible School! During VBS, the directors and I do our best to keep things moving and organized behind the scenes for the teachers and helpers. Often times I move on to the next task once something has started, never stopping quite long enough to take it all in. It is what is needed to keep things running smoothly, but it does leave me feeling like I miss out on some of the joy that others experience while they sit and listen to the kids talk about what they are learning.
We began Monday’s activities after welcoming 157 smiling children through our doors. Using the Bible as our guide, we got started on our first trek up the mountain to a Bible lesson where we learned the story of God providing for Elijah. God has the power to provide! After reflecting on the week’s lessons, I could see exactly where God provided for us during the week. We did not run out of a single item, even though it was close after having 13 more students than the last few years. Not only did we have enough supplies, but we had many wonderful helpers to help create an environment for the Holy Spirit to be at work.
Tuesday, we learned that God has the power to comfort. Once again, we met Elijah in the wilderness and learned that King Ahab was angry and in hot pursuit of Elijah. Elijah was scared and told God he just wanted to be done, because it was too hard. But God comforted Elijah by whispering, “I love you.” Preparing for VBS is a tremendous amount of work for many who are involved. For myself, I can see where God comforted me in both the planning stages and this week during the busyness when things weren’t going exactly as planned and while we were moving outdoor activities inside because of the rain – and it all worked out perfectly.
God has the power to heal. The students were off to the Jordan river on Wednesday where they met a sick man named Naaman. A young slave girl told his family that he should go to Israel to meet Elisha. Naaman was very reluctant to take a bath in the dirty Jordan river, but after he did, God healed him! We have all been healed at one time or another. I’m happy to report there were no major injuries at VBS, but we did get out the first-aid kit a few times. I thank God that he has the power to heal!
On Thursday, the students were led to hide with some close friends of Jesus. They were all very afraid because Jesus had just been arrested and crucified on a cross. Peter explained to them how he had hurt his friendship with Jesus when he denied Jesus three times. Our sin picks away and breaks apart our friendship with God. But God loves us so much that he doesn’t want our friendship with him to be broken. God sent Jesus to repair our broken friendship with him. God has the power to forgive. Many eyes welled up with tears as we placed our thumbprint on a cross and whispered “I’m sorry, Jesus.”
Each of us goes through hard times and our world is not a perfect place. Yet, no matter what happens here on earth, we know that because of Jesus we can go to a place where there is no trouble! God is preparing a forever home for you and me. One day, we will all be welcomed by Jesus where we will be connected to him forever. God has the power to love us forever. I trust many seeds were planted this week and have great anticipation to see each child grow in their faith, trusting Jesus as their Lord and Savior
After reflecting on our week, I may not have had the opportunity to hear all the chatter our children had among themselves, but I thank God for revealing his mighty power to me while doing the work he had laid before me. This week is another reminder of how God is at work in every aspect of our life. Pay attention to what you do and take time to reflect on your day in prayer with your Father in heaven. Where do you see our powerful God at work?
What a mighty God we serve!
Becky Ossefoort