First person: God uses even the tiniest investment in others for their good, His glory

The teen seemed hesitant at first but then snatched up the Bible and held it carefully in her lap. A few seconds earlier, I rescued the faux leather-bound hard copy collection of God’s Word as she hopped in my car and almost sat on it.

Handing it across the console to her as she clicked her seat belt, I asked if she might hold it for me to keep it safe as we drove. She froze for a few seconds as if to analyze the item carefully to figure out what it was and then pleasantly agreed.

Fond memories

As we made our way to the next destination, the 15-year-old opened the Bible and flipped through the pages slowly and respectfully. She stopped along her journey through the books to recall something from childhood when she was last in church.

Smiles, giggles and bright eyes accompanied the memories she shared. The more she described various moments, I realized she was talking about Vacation Bible School and other children’s ministry activities.

A voice from the backseat echoed fond memories of similar experiences, especially the cookies and other snacks they enjoyed. The two teen girls swapped stories for several more minutes.

While it had been several years since either had been inside a church, much less opened or held a Bible, it mesmerized me to hear them pull such specific details back to the surface, and all because I asked one of the girls to hold the Bible that was free floating in my car.

My time with the teens was short, but I made sure to let them do most of the talking. I listened, smiled encouragingly and prayed silently for their hearts to soften to what God might be doing in that moment.

Even now as I share the experience with you, I’m reminded to continue praying for them and the people God might put in their path.

Pouring Jesus in

And while I could be tempted to think God had used me to help draw them closer to Him (which I do hope is the case), God definitely used the experience to remind me how intensely He can use every investment we make in others for His glory.

As we come out of VBS season and turn our attention toward preparing the kids in our lives to head back to school, the days are busy but it’s the individual attention and care we provide that will be remembered most. It’s the sights, sounds, smells and security — the sense of love, value and safety — they will carry with them.

Pouring Jesus in as much as possible also reinforces their foundation.

From the nephews and nieces who hold much of my heart to dear friends’ children who inched their way in as well to the cuties that cross my path at church and in the community, they bring so much joy and offer such a unique gift to the world.

I find myself wanting desperately to be part of their support system to ensure they are protected and prepared for the journey ahead. At the same time, some days seem fruitless, and I wonder if anything I might offer will really make a difference.

Simple reminders

Then a moment like the teenager sharing fond memories of VBS and how loved she felt during that time happens. She even surprised herself, I think, with the positive and peaceful emotions she sensed as she processed her memories.

Thank you, Lord, for simple reminders precisely when I need them.

I may not always know the best thing to do at the exact right time, but I am learning how God can and will work through us when we make ourselves available. He will provide opportunities for us to shine His light, invest in others for His glory and give us the strength and capacity if we merely trust and go.

He will also redeem our missteps along the way, and that revelation shifts my insecurities to courage and intrigue.

On my own, I can’t imagine knowing how to participate in the communities who guide and care for the little children of the world, but in His strength and by following His path, all things are possible.