Over Fear and Anxiety
Going into this summer, I wasn’t sure what I was going to do after graduating, and even closer to the summer, I was still hesitant about working at TCM for another summer. After working for multiple summers, I was looking for another opportunity to grow and considering serving at Orton Park again. Turns out it wasn’t where God wanted me this summer because all spots at Orton Park were filled up, but it also opened another opportunity for me to serve at Don Valley Village.
This summer has blessed me with a new community and many relationships, but also with many things to learn. I was going through a difficult situation during camp, but I couldn’t stop thinking about why God would allow something like that to happen. This summer, the kids are learning about the story of Joseph. Throughout his life, Joseph faced many difficult challenges, including being betrayed by his brothers and unjustly thrown into prison. Why would God allow those things to happen? As the story unfolds, we see that God allows these things to happen for a purpose. The events give Joseph opportunities to use his gifts and lead his brothers to repentance.
I can try to plan the future as much as I can, but I still cannot control the outcome. Through this situation, God has shown me many things and reminded me to trust in Him, even when things don’t seem alright. During this time, Ethan, the Co-Director at DVV, shared a Bible verse that stuck with me,
“Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.”
Though I will inevitably go through times of fear and anxiety in the future, I know God is there for me and has a plan for me, and through the trials and challenges, God is shaping me to be more like Him.