AN EARLY CALLING

And whatever you do in word or

deed, do all in the name of the

Lord Jesus, giving thanks to

God the Father through Him.

Colossians 3:17

Her name was Ruth Young. She's been in Heaven for awhile now. She was one of those ladies in the church who did a little bit of everything...church bulletin, bank deposits, teacher and whatever else she did. One of her big responsibilities was VBS every summer, often leading the junior department.

Bible school went through sixth grade and I had attended all I could...being in seventh grade, I was finished. Ruth stopped me at church one day and asked me to help her with her VBS kids. She wanted me to teach them Bible memory verses. I immediately told her that I had never taught anything before. She assured me she would help me along the way.

I faced about 30 boys and girls the first day of VBS and I was scared to death. I have to tell you, though, that I had a ball. I had some ideas I used and the kids had such a good time learning. My only mistake was while teaching, I sat on the Lord's supper table as we met in the auditorium. It was the only place to sit, but I haven't done that since.

Time went quickly. I can't tell you what awakened in me but didn't say anything to anyone about it. Ruth came to me on the last day and thanked me. She added a comment to her gratitude saying, “I believe you are going to be a great teacher. In fact, some day I think you will teach hundreds.” Twenty five years later, something like that happened at a conference. As I finished, God allowed my mind to go back to Ruth and how she seemed to see this part of my future.

I mention this because there are younger folks around us who need encouragement in considering how God can use them perhaps just in their local church. Our suggestions of some possibilities may seem unrealistic at first but we know it is God that will do the work. You may even have the privilege of helping young people peek into their future spiritual callings.

God used a faithful church lady who saw something in a scrawny young girl that the girl didn't see in herself. It may not have changed Ruth's life to speak of, but with some years, it sure changed mine. Thank you, Ruth.

Father God, too many reasons to thank You for calling me to be a teacher for You. I also thank You for Ruth Young who got me started with 30 girls and boys in VBS. Thank You for using her encouragement and for You choosing to use me. In Jesus' precious name...Amen