Rio Grande Valley: Let God do the talking

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Every Wednesday presents an emotional challenge for me. On Wednesdays, I lead a Bible study followed by a couple of discipleship sessions, and then I help out at my local church with the youth. 

alexandra granda130Alexandra GrandaI love Wednesdays, but at the same time as soon as I wake up, I’m ready for the day to end. Sometimes negative thoughts of how incapable I am and doubts about my self-worth resound in my head, especially when I am tired. But then I am reminded, “Our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the powers of this dark world and spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms” (Ephesians 6:12).

During one of my discipleship sessions, I was talking to a student who is having struggles with her family. She has been exposed to problems with her uncle that are affecting the way her family runs, and as a result, her family is falling apart. The only thing that has sustained her is her faith, trusting that God will do his ultimate will. 

When students come to me with their situations and tell me all their problems I am reminded I can’t just counsel them. First of all, I am unequipped. I have many flaws, I can be quick to judge, I am not a patient person, and I naturally tend to avoid those situations. But seeing this young woman break down made me want to hug her. I really didn’t have anything to say, but, thankfully, God did. God brought to my mind the words of James 1:2-3: “Consider it pure joy… whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know the testing of your faith produces perseverance.”

students riogrande425I believe there is an urgency to learn and memorize Scripture. There is nothing greater than to stand firm in what God has to say, and knowing Scripture is a reminder of who God is and who we are. Hebrews 4:12 says: “For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edge sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow.” 

This week, I was reminded all my personal thoughts and any advice I could give to students will never as good as what God has to say to them. “All scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training others in all righteousness” (2 Timothy 3:16).

Alexandra Granda is serving with Go Now Missions as a campus missionary intern at the Baptist Student Ministry at the University of Texas-Rio Grande Valley.


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