God’s Timing
We wanted to look back at a lesson one of our interns in Hungary learned during her time working with students.
Sziasztok!
I have been serving in Hungary for over a month now, and the Lord has blessed me in so many ways. Part of my service here is helping lead after-school English as a Second Language (ESL) clubs for middle to high school students. Initially, we talk with the students about what is going on in their lives, such as what they are struggling with, what they are thankful for, and what they are looking forward to. Next, we discuss a topic, such as joy, (what does it mean, does it matter, where do you find it?) and ask the kids questions about it. Last, we read a few verses from the Bible about the topic and explore what God says about it.
The students have been great, welcoming, and open. They sincerely wish to discuss deep issues and are not afraid to ask questions, challenge us, and investigate the reason why we do what we do (spoiler alert, the answer is “Christ”).
One older student, who has been attending ESL clubs and summer camps for a few years, recently surprised us. This student, who I’ll call “L” for anonymity, has made it clear he does not believe in God. He is a skeptic, intelligent, and can be difficult to love. But recently, L told us that he has been telling his friends about us and trying to convince them to come to the club, saying,
“Yeah, they are Christians, but they’re not weird.”
The next week, he brought one of his friends to club. The week after that, we discussed the love of God as described by the Hebrew word “Chesed.” We read several verses about it, one of which was Isaiah 54:10,
“‘Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed,’ says the LORD, who has compassion on you.”
As we were discussing this, L began opening up and expressed how he wanted to believe that, but he could not quite believe it, and why he could not yet. I related my own story and tried to answer his questions as best I could, all the while praying for the Lord to give me the words and open the hearts of these students.
Then another student opened up, and related how she was struggling with something similar and believed that God was out there somewhere, but was not sure He was a personal God. The other leaders and I continued to talk openly with the students about the questions and doubts they raised, relying on the Lord to give us understanding.
It was incredible to see the Holy Spirit at work throughout the whole club, and even later, as another girl opened up to us afterwards. Throughout this month I have been learning that God works in His own time, and that whether or not I see a tangible impact, I should trust Him who called me and work with all my heart as working for the Lord.
