This past month has been the most amazing month of my life (so far!!) I have learned so much about God and His character. I have been able to see Jesus in the darkest of places. I have walked in obedience and my eyes are being opened to God in a new way. I am falling in love with Him all over again and it is the most beautiful feeling. Now, let me share with you all some of the amazing things the Lord has let me be apart of…
So in the beginning of last week, they asked our squad to prepare one sermon and one testimony for the homeless church service. As soon as they asked who wanted to do the sermon, someone quickly raised their hand. But when they asked who wanted to share their testimony, nobody raised their hand. My heart started RACING (okay, Holy Spirit!!) and I knew deep within my soul God wanted me to share my story.
But I waited…and I waited…and I waited.
Nobody was raising their hand. Then, a squad mate looked back at me and I instantly knew I needed to raise my hand. So I did. I was beyond nervous and instantly felt like my story would not be worth anyone’s time.
But to be continued…
The next few days of preparation, they told us we were going to have the opportunity to teach in a PUBLIC SCHOOL!!! We had the topics of the power of words, prevention, dreaming, the world race, and identity. I chose to do the power of words. I then shared my testimony of how hurt I have been by words and how we can find freedom in who Christ says we are. After we spoke over our topics, one of the girls asked me to sing. I told her HECK NO lol and then home girl got a chant started. I had to sing now. So with the help of my squad mates next to me, we sang This is Amazing Grace in front of about twenty-five 11th graders. It was a beautiful moment, full of freedom, to be exactly who God made me to be.
AND earlier that day, I was asked if I wanted to sing during the worship party our ministry host was having. And through a lot of persuasion, I agreed. I do not like to sing in front of people. I love to sing to myself and to Jesus, but that’s about it. But I stepped out and did it. I sang “This is How I Fight My Battles” which has been my soul anthem since stepping on the World Race. Was it the best singing ever? Definitely not. But I worshipped. I am a worshipper and I felt like God told me to just fly with Him. So that’s what I did. I just flew with my first love. And the singing at the school was a warm up 🙂
ALSO! Some of the high schoolers from the classroom came out to the coffee shop and even performed a song!! They shared how much they loved our topics we brought into the classroom and we also got to learn about their own walks with the Lord. It was so sweet to learn their story and pour into them. wow guys, God is so cool. Here is the cute picture of them 🙂
But after all of this, I still haven’t shared my testimony in front of the church service and the time finally came. I began to feel SUPER nervous. I was afraid that my story would not be taken seriously (lie from the enemy) and that my words would be jumbled. With A LOT of time with Jesus, I finally decided to trust Him. That these are not my words, but His. I stepped in front of everyone and no kidding, this shower of peace flooded over me. I did not even think of the words I would speak, I just spoke. It was TOTALLY the Holy Spirit!!! That night ended up being so powerful. People experienced the love of the Father. Freedom was found. People were not left the same. God is so sweet friends. He is real love.
This whole month I began to truly learn what it looks like to not just tippy toe into what is uncomfortable but to dive in. I am learning what it looks like “to become all things for the sake of the Gospel.” I was a teacher, a singer, a storyteller, and so much more. I can do all things through Christ and I love the story He has written for me. I can not believe this month has finally come to an end. I am sad to leave but I know God is just getting started. I am exactly where He wants me.
much love, Shelby.
