Fresh Start Daily

Persecution has been a part of my life ever since I became a Christian. I understand that persecution is certain in the life of a believer and follower of Jesus but it’s always painful. When I got home tonight, I asked God to speak to me through His Word. I was led to Isaiah 43 and my eyes were glued on “Fear not”. I continued reading and saw “Fear not for I am with you.”

I read chapter 44 and again encountered “Fear not”. When I read chapter 41, “Fear not” was mentioned three times. The words that were repeated many times in those three chapters are:

“Fear not, for I am with you…”
“You are My witnesses…”
“You are My servant…”
“I have chosen you…”
“I will help you.”

I had goosebumps when I read those. I know it was God speaking to me. He wants to assure me that I should not fear persecution because He is with me and that He will help me as I witness to people. I broke down after reading the second “Fear not”. I know that God is real and that He knows everything that happens in my life but I can’t help being astonished every time I experience His manifest presence.

What an honor to be chosen by the Lord of lords and King of kings to be His servant—to be His witness. Just like the apostle Paul, I am not there yet. I am only able to press on because God continues to breathe life into me and give me strength and hope.

Guess who joined our group today? It’s Matty!!! I told him to join the other teacher’s group because I was thinking he would find it awkward to stay with me but he did stay with me. When he was four years old and he saw me wearing the NxtGen uniform, he was so surprised. He said he only wants me to be his aunt and not his Sunday school teacher. That was not possible at that time though because I was handling ten and eleven-year-old kids. Hehe!

The girls I used to teach in Sunday school have all grown up and are to graduate in March. I prayed about the next group of children I should teach this year and I was led by the Holy Spirit to start with six-year-olds. I plan to follow them as they grow up in Sunday school and as they grow in Christ.

Honestly, I had apprehensions in teaching young kids because they can be a handful. The first time I handled 6-year-olds this month, my throat hurt. I’m not used to raising my voice. However, since it’s a heterogeneous group who loves to play and run around, I have to exercise my vocal chords to be heard. I was overwhelmed by their number and their exuberance.

The second time, it was right after the prayer and fasting week, I did ask God to help me handle the children that He has entrusted to my care. I was surprised to know that our group was one of the most behaved. Praise God! Prayer always works! I cannot do this on my own. Kids are suuuper cute and cuddly but they can also be very challenging. I believe God is training me. I will learn and grow along with the kids. 😃