A Prayer for God’s Love to Shine Through at Vacation Bible School
By Chelsey DeMatteis
Bible Reading:
“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” - Matthew 5:14-16
Listen or Read Below:
Vacation Bible School season is in full swing at churches all over the country and beyond. It’s not only one of my favorite times of the year for my children, but it was also a favorite part of each summer when I was a child. It’s funny to be on the other side of it all now, watching the kids in awe and wonder while the adults try their very best to keep all the kids together! Talk about joy and chaos ensuing all at once. It’s a week of seeing the love of God on full display through those leading, and also getting a glimpse of God’s love piercing the hearts of the young ones in attendance. It’s a beautiful thing. It is a holy thing and a way to invite others into the church in a way that makes them feel incredibly welcome.
I remember the first year I volunteered at our church; I was pregnant with our daughter and didn’t feel quite ready to leave my son there without me. So in tow, I went. It was called Destination Dig, and it was more fun than I could have imagined. The songs, classes, and the kids. It was all amazing. Most of all, at the end of the week, when they shared how many children had accepted Christ, I was amazed. I stood amazed at the work of God in the children’s hearts, and I had the opportunity to watch children come to a saving faith, understanding how much God loves and adores them. It was a treasure. I learned new things and got to see God work in the lives of those around me - both children and adults.
VBS week reminds me of what Jesus called us to be in this world through Matthew 5:14-16, “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.”
God, in His loving kindness, has called and commissioned us to be bearers of His light. It’s miraculous, truly. He chose us, knowing how broken we are, and still offers us the opportunity to lead others to know Him. What grace. What mercy. What a blessing it is to be able to lead little hands and feet towards the most significant relationship they will ever know.
If you’ve never been able to volunteer or have your children attend VBS, I can tell you that it will bless you more than you can imagine. Partnering with the Kingdom of God to share His truth with the littlest hearts is an immense blessing and privilege. If you’ve never taken your children, look for a solid church and ask a friend to tag along with you. You and your children will be blessed by what they learn about Jesus. Sow the seeds and water them! The fruit will abound!
Let’s Pray:
Father, thank you for the gift you’ve given us through VBS. I pray that all churches across the nation and the world that put on these types of events for children would be blessed. Please provide them with the support they need through donations and volunteers. Holy Spirit, please draw the hearts of each child to a saving faith. Help them understand the love of God and the eternal reward that awaits them in heaven. I pray that each child who gives their life to Christ will be covered and protected in Jesus’ name. That no weapon formed against them shall prevail, and that the enemy would flee from them! Father, protect every church, volunteer, attendee, and their families. May this year of VBS draw hearts in a deeper way than ever before. Jesus, I pray that your name will be glorified and honored, praised, and prayed to!! Please make us your vessel and help us to be the faithful hands and feet of your kingdom. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Photo credit: ©Getty/Kara Gebhardt
Chelsey is the voice behind the Living with Less Podcast and author of the 52-week devotional More of Him, Less of Me: Living a Christ-centered Life in a Me-centered World. She writes devotions for Lifeway Women's Journey Magazine, Crosswalk.com, and iBelieve.com. She also writes Bible reading plans for the YouVersion Bible App. Chelsey lives in Ohio with her husband and two children. You can connect with her on Instagram @chelseydematteis and at her website ChelseyDeMatteis.com.
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