Written by: Emely Castro
“So do not fear, for I am with you;
do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you;
I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
I started as a placement student back in January, I saw how God led me to Toronto City Mission. During my time in the school year, I was perfecting my skills in working with children and leading a team. I didn’t know where or what I would be doing after but that is when the opportunity of becoming an intern came up. In June, I felt God’s call for me to be a Summer intern.
Even though I had the experience and time to work with some of the kids, I still felt an inner fear of not being able to do well as an intern. I was scared of becoming burnt out or not planning more exciting activities, nervous that I would do something wrong. I was afraid and began to worry, which soon led to me to overthink everything. Before I knew it, I was in my head questioning why God brought me here, I’m not perfect and I make mistakes.
I asked myself “Why would God bring me here?”
“Peace, I leave with you; my peace I give you.
I do not give to you as the world gives.
Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”
We sometimes get into our heads and start creating answers to our questions, forgetting that God has a plan, he knows what’s best for us. Once we submit and surrender, we are then able to see the greater good He has planned for us. If I hadn’t let go of my fear and worries, I wouldn’t have been able to be a part of such a great mission. Being with these kids brings such a joy and blessing in my life and I am so happy to be able to be a part of their lives, showing them through my actions how God works.
God has brought me here to help and serve others, however, he also brought me here for me to learn how to trust His process and His plan for me. God continues to show Himself through these kids and my team, I am so grateful to be a part of a mission that is greater than my fears, that is bigger than my worries and stronger than my doubts.
If I listened to my thoughts and leaned on my doubts, I wouldn’t have been able to be here, fulfilling what God’s plan is for me. It’s alright to be scared but it’s important to give it to God and trust that He is in our corner always supporting us and rooting for us, because he loves us.
God is with me and you.