Shining God’s Love Prayer at Vacation Bible School
By Chelsey Dematteis
Bible Reading:
“You are the light of the world. You cannot hide the city placed on the hill. People illuminate the lamp and place it under the basket, but it gives light to everyone in the house. – Matthew 5:14-16
Listen or read:
Vacation Bible School Season is full-scale at churches across the country and beyond. It was not only one of my kids’ favorite times of the year, but also my favorite part of the summer every year as a child. It’s funny to see kids feeling respectful and wondering, and now on the other side of it, while adults try their best to keep all the kids together! Talk about the joy and confusion that continues at once. It is a week where we see God’s love fully displayed through the guided people, and we also get a glimpse of God’s love, which prickles the hearts of the young people present. It’s beautiful. It’s sacred, a way to invite others to the church and it feels incredibly welcomed to them.
I remember the first year I volunteered at our church. I was pregnant with my daughter and wasn’t ready to leave my son there without me. So I towed and went. It was called Destination Dig and was more fun than I imagined. Songs, classes, kids. It was all amazing. Above all, I was amazed at the end of the week when they shared how many children accepted Christ. I was amazed at God’s work in my children’s hearts. And I had the opportunity to see my children come to the faith of salvation and realize how much God loves and worships him. It was a treasure. I learned new things and saw God work in the lives of those around me, both children and adults.
VBS Week reminds us that Jesus called us to be in this world through Matthew 5:14-16.
With his loving kindness, God called and asked us to be his light bearers. It’s really miraculous. He chooses us and offers us the opportunity to know how broken we are and still lead others to know him. What a bounty. What mercy. What a blessing to be able to guide small hands and feet into the most important relationship they know.
If you weren’t able to volunteer or let your child attend VBS, I can tell you that I would bless you more than you could imagine. It is an immeasurable blessing and privilege to work with God’s kingdom and share his truth with a small heart. If you’ve never taken your kids, look for a solid church and ask a friend to tag them with you. You and your children will be blessed to them learn about Jesus. Sow the seeds and water them! There are lots of fruits!
Let’s pray:
Father, thank you for the gifts you gave us through VBS. I pray that every church in the nation and around the world will be blessed with these types of events for our children. Provide the support you need through donations and volunteers. Draw the hearts of each child into the Faith of Salvation. Help them understand God’s love and the eternal rewards awaiting them in heaven. I pray that each child who gives his life to Christ will be covered and protected by Jesus’ name. The weapons formed against them win, and the enemy will not run away from them! Protect your Father, all your churches, volunteers, attendees, and their families. This year’s VBS draws the heart in a deeper way than ever before. Jesus, I pray that your name will be glorious, respected, praised and prayed!! Make us your ship and help us become the loyal hands and feet of your kingdom. In the name of Jesus, Amen.
Photo Credit: ©Getty/Kara Gebhardt
Chelsea is the voice of my life, who lives a life of Christ in a world that is hardly podcasts and devoted to him for 52 weeks, who lives a life of Christ in a world that is centered around me. She writes Lifeway Women’s Journey Magazine, Crosswalk.com, and Devotions for Ibelieve.com. She also writes a Bible Reading Plan for the Youversion Bible app. Chelsea lives in Ohio with her husband and two children. You can connect with her on Instagram @chelseydematteis and her website chelseydematteis.com.
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