I Can Do It

A teenager named Tom looked at me, sadness in his eyes.  "I can't do the assignment. I try and I always fail."

I paused, "I know it's hard but I'll help you. You can do it. I know you can."

Tom shook his head and sat down dejectedly, shoulders slumped in defeat.

After whispering a prayer, I took a breath and told Tom that with God's help, he could do this assignment. He just needed to have perseverance and not give up so easily.

Within ten minutes, Tom looked up at me in wonder. He had finished his work in record time.

The next week, a similar scene played out. Tom insisted he couldn't complete the work required of him. He had become so used to failing that he had stopped trying all these years. A habit like that is hard to break - but still possible!

Weeks passed. Each time Tom was so sure that he could not do the assignment and each time he wanted to give up, I told him to keep going.

More weeks passed by and turned into months. Then finally, one day Tom entered the classroom and he looked different. No longer was he slumped over, afraid of failure. The Tom I saw that day confidently strode into the room with a broad smile on his face.

He looked at me and said, "Teacher, I can do this." And he did.

With God's help, this teenage boy learned to persevere. You know what? Tom wasn't the only one learning during these months. I was, too!

I learned once again the importance of asking for God's help, no matter the task or challenge. I learned to be a cheerleader for someone, even when he didn't believe he could do it. I learned that God often works behind the scenes in ways I may never know or understand - but He's active and present. Keeping that perspective was key as Tom and I learned together.

So as I face my current challenges, I'm reminding myself of all that Tom and I learned as we worked together. I'm excited to see how God is going to keep working for His glory through these next challenges.

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________



Joanna Suich has been serving with VOICE Missions since February 2013.  As a child, she attempted to dig her way to China, but only made it two feet in before her mom called her to dinner.  Although Joanna never made it to China, God did bring her nearby to the island of Taiwan.  She has a heart for all things involving missions, juvenile delinquents and adventures.  God has placed Hualien in her heart and it's home now.  She currently is doing college online as she volunteers, majoring in social work.  If you're looking for Joanna, check the local village or orphanage and you'll probably find her there - playing, tutoring and sharing Christ's love and truth.