Unshakeable

This year our GEMS theme is “unshakeable” as drawn from Psalm 62:2, which says “Truly He is my rock and my salvation; He is my fortress, I will never be shaken.” Each GEMS lesson has shown how our God is unshakeable by emphasizing one of the “I am” promises that God makes to us in the Bible: I am loved (1 John 3:1); I am not alone (Deuteronomy 31:6); I am strong (Philippians 4:13); I am forgiven (1 John 1:9); I am a world changer (Micah 6:8).

These promises are ever so relevant to GEMS girls as they navigate the challenges that come with growing up in a broken world. But I find myself reminded week by week that they are just as relevant for the rest of us too. In a world corrupted by sin it is easy to feel that we are not good enough, not capable, or even broken beyond repair. Yet God’s promises remind us that our strength does not come from ourselves, but from Him. He loves us, He will never leave us nor forsake us, He forgives us, He purifies us, He shows us what is good, and through Him we become more like Jesus. May we all rest in the truth that God’s promises are unbreakable, even when the world is shaking all around us. God is our rock, our salvation, our fortress. He is unshakeable, and we are too when we rest in Him.

GEMS and the Joy of Connecting

When the GEMS season kicked off last September, we weren’t sure how our GEMS ministry would help girls build relationships with one another, with counselors, and with Jesus this year. We just committed to connecting, not cancelling. Our season started with outdoor meetings and a GEMS & Grownups outdoor event. As Covid cases rose in November, we explored creative alternatives to continue our GEMS ministry. Counselors dropped off packages to GEMS with lesson materials, craft supplies and treats. In December and January, we mailed materials to GEMS and met over Zoom. Several weeks ago we prepared package pick ups for our GEMS & Gals night. Then, last Monday, we had our first in person GEMS gathering since early November. Our counselors and GEMS were thrilled to be together! 

Being unable to physically gather for several months made us cherish our opportunity to be together again. While we are thankful for all the alternative ways we found to share God’s love through GEMS in the midst of a pandemic, gathering in person at the appropriate time is a real joy. GEMS is a relational ministry and nothing beats being together. As a church family, we long for relationship, too.  As Covid cases continue to decline and more and more people are vaccinated, we can look forward to more opportunities to safely gather in person with our church family. What joy!