God works in mysterious ways!

I received this email from a girl that was in the youth group I worked with during my time in Nova Scotia. To protect her privacy, I have left out her name. It just blew my mind how God can use us, even years later, to make an imprint on someone else's life. Below, I have also posted the words to one of the songs that the girl mentions. I hope that this encourages all of you out there who work with youth (and anyone really)- may you know that you make a difference even when it feels like you aren't!:) God can use ANYONE!

Hi Mel,

This is XXXXXXX. I don't know if you remember me from New Minas Baptist Church youth group or not. I talked to you on e-mail once or twice after you left NMBC to head out west. Anyhow, I wanted to write you and thank you.

One of the last devotions you led before you left was at a girls/guys sleepover at the church. You were leading the girls group, and there was a sheet you gave each of us gals with "Your words of wisdom on it". Well, I didn't read a lot of that paper when you gave it to us, but I did hold onto it and keep it on my bulletin board ever since.

I just started university this week. I'm at the University of Ottawa, which as excited as I was to come, and am to be here, I've been lonely and feeling so far from home. I packed your piece of paper, and I came across it today. Feeling very homesick, and read the song lyrics you put on it. "Faith's Struggle" by Sarah E. Haringa and "By Your Side" by Jamie Slocum. Those lyrics seemed to fit me almost perfectly... I was so, so encouraged by them, and I just wanted to thank you for sharing that with me, long ago. I highlighted the parts of the songs that I like the most, and have them on my bulletin board here, just above my computer, where I can sit and read them often.

Actually, a few months ago when I was having a bit of a hard time with the end of high school and such, I also referred to that piece of paper and was really encouraged by the bible references you made on it.

So, I just wanted to let you know thankful I was and am, that God gave you those words to pass on to someone like me. He used you to make a difference for me.

I hope you are keeping well.

In Christ's love,
XXXXXXX



Faith's Struggle
by Sarah E. Haringa

Hurdles are getting higher, God,
losing sight of who you are.
Going through the motions now,
each day like the one before...

Every hour is a test of patience,
each minute a test of strength.
Lord, how much longer must I wait?
Right now it seems you’re late...

"All in his time," so people say,
and while I know those words are true,
with the way things are going, God,
I’ve lost the comfort in that, too...

My hope is being shattered,
burdens press me to the ground.
My once-strong faith is wavering,
like Peter I’m sinking down...

I’m sailing a sea called Lonesome
to an island named Despair.
My ship has blown off course,
black clouds looming in the air...

Lightning fills the darkened sky,
and it feels like I’ve been hit.
But when I ask, "Why Lord?"
you simply say, "Don’t quit..."

Oh God, I’m your child!
Please listen to my cry.
However long it takes,
I’ll wait for your reply...

But if I have to wait much longer,
then you must give me patience.
If I am supposed to trust,
then you must give me faith...

Your answers mean so much to me;
it’s your will I’m striving for.
All I want is a glimpse of home,
to rest at last upon your shore...

Is this what they mean by
"Leap of Faith"?
When your feet can’t touch the bottom
and land seems so far away?

I want to reach out to you
despite my present fears.
Draw me closer to you now, God,
and wash away my tears...

I will rest tomorrow,
your love is all I know.
But in the storms of life, Lord,
please hold my hand and don’t let go...