Sometimes the best ministry happens outside the classroom.

Three of the students I’ve really connected with over the past few months came by the other day to chat with me. They are passionate about bringing change to their community and wanted to talk more about ways they could help. But the conversation took on a life of its own.

One of the girls really opened up and shared candidly and honestly about her struggles. She talked about the challenges of having no job, insufficient food, and poor housing, and how it leaves her questioning, “God, where are you during these tough times?”

I told her I could relate, and let her know she wasn’t alone in asking questions like that. It was meaningful to be able to share about times I’ve experienced great pain and loss in my own life, and the power that comes from moving through difficult circumstances instead of around them.

The promise of Psalm 23:4 rings true: “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me.”

More often than not, God doesn’t take us around the challenges in our life. But He promises to take us through them, and He is with us all the way.

I encouraged the students to continue bringing their real and raw questions to God. Sometimes all we can do is be honest with God and ourselves about where we are at, and choose to trust and follow Him still.

What has been your experience with God leading
you through rather than around challenges in your life?