When I was given the opportunity, I questioned, I doubted, I froze, I prayed, and I argued. It was crazy. Teaching women is tops on my list of passions, but I had never taught in a community like this. I continually was asking myself — Would I have something to relate to them? Would they trust me? I certainly didn’t want to screw it up because souls were on the line.
If it weren’t for a dear friend, Marta, I’m not sure how I would have made it through. She prayed with me. She prodded me. She called me before and after class to ensure me God had my back. She attended the class. She encouraged me. She helped open my eyes to my doubt and unbelief. Thank you, friend!
Even though others said “no one would show up for class and that I was crazy for wanting to teach there”, I am so thankful I obeyed God’s calling. Teaching those eight weeks, I learned so much about myself, that community, and God.
I learned:
1. When God wants to move in a big way He will challenge those leading.
2. Although people come from different cultures and backgrounds, our hearts still break the same.
3. Whether we are jobless, homeless, addicted, abused, or wealthy, God’s truth is the only truth that will set us free.
4. When you share your struggles, you open the door for others to do the same.
5. When you show up, you create a place where miracles can happen.
6. When you are faced with a situation and speechless, it’s then that God will minister in unique ways.
7. Pain is pain, regardless of race, finances, or community.
8. You have to continually show up to earn the trust of others and have a right to speak into their lives. <—–that’s tweet worthy!
I could go on and on. I could list the girls individually and tell you what I learned from them. It is an incredible adventure when you can sit back and watch God work in mysterious ways. There are no words to describe what it’s like to see changes in others lives and know maybe you were there when that seed was planted, but that the change is ALL GOD!
What God did those eight weeks:
1. Freed a woman and three children from an abusive relationship. (testimony HERE)
2. Freed another from her drug addiction.
3. Many claimed Jesus as their Savior.
4. More were baptized.
5. He changed lives.
I’m looking back, because I’m looking forward to seeing God move in those women. Tomorrow I’ll share what I had the privilege of doing over the weekend!
It’s a dream come true for me. It was a weekend that made me so thankful that I stepped out and showed up despite the doubt and fear.
Are you battling doubt and fear for the next step you need to take? How can I encourage you to just step out and show up?
Linking up with Holley Gerth talking about God-Sized Obedience.
What an amazing testimony of what God can and will do with those that are willing. This is so inspiring especially for those of us on the God-sized dream journey. God can do anything if we show up and let Him do the rest!
It’s definitely all about the showing up and being obedient. But sometimes that’s the hardest thing. I’m learning here how to be more sensitive to that whisper.
I just commented to you. I’m not sure where it went now. Did you by change receive it in your email? I’m having one of thoooooose days . . . . :)
I love #8 and concur wholeheartedly that we have to keep showing up and earn it. Best you, courageous woman!
What a wonderful message of encouragement for all of us chasing after our God-sized dreams. If we are willing to follow, He is ready to lead.
Love this, Alene. I have no doubt you were the right woman for the assignment!
Love your post. Going over to read about your Guatemala post now. I’m also a blog for The Exodus Road and found you at God Sized Dream link up today. Blessings to you. Love your blog, your post. Blessings.