By Donna Zangara / Children's Ministry
Director and Next Gen Team Leader
I am still absorbing all the "God moments" from our
Upward Sports Camp that took place here a couple of weeks ago. Even after many
years of walking with the Lord and many years in ministry, I still need to be
reminded from time to time that all this....everything that is happening in my
life and everything that is happening in and through ministry...is all for
God's purposes, not mine.
As with any program, or ministry event, there were the unexpected,
unplanned things that came up in the planning and preparing for our sports
camp. I am grateful for the times that I am spirit-controlled enough to roll
with whatever is happening. I am also repentant for the times that I try and
take hold of something that God really doesn't need my help with.
Early on in leadership I was taught that it is never about the
finished product...it is about the process. And just on cue the Holy Spirit
reminded me through a devotional thought in My Utmost for His Highest,
"His purpose is the process." Oswald Chambers goes on to say,
"What He desires for me is that I see 'Him walking on the water.' No
shore, no success, no goal in sight, but simply having the absolute certainty
that everything is all right because I see 'Him walking on the water.'"
I can see very clearly now how the Lord used some of the
unexplained, unexpected twists and turns of the Upward camp to bring glory to
Himself. It was awesome! There are so many "stories" of how the Lord
worked in people's hearts and lives. And now I am looking at some things in my
life and asking my Savior to help me just keep my eyes on Him with full
confidence that Jesus is still "walking on the water" of that situation.
I don't need to know the end, or if the shore is in sight. It is the process,
not the outcome, that will bring glory to my King. I am praying for His
presence and power to sustain me for that process so that He will accomplish
His purpose.
Thank You Lord that You are faithful for the journey. Help me to
trust You for the duration of the process so I won't miss anything You want to
accomplish. Grow my obedience Holy Spirit I pray, in Your beautiful and Holy
Name, the name of Jesus.