Henry Villalobos

Sirias

Contributing Writer

Henry Villalobos Sirias has been with CBN Costa Rica as a Digital Media Assistant for three years. He dedicates his free time to learning electric bass, loves movies, and used to dream of being a singer and a soccer player. The most important thing in his life was accepting Jesus as his Lord and Savior at 12.

More from Henry Villalobos Sirias

Look for Another Solution

While working on a project, do you ever say to yourself, “Something is missing…”—but then, after making a few changes, you still don’t see the desired results? When that happens, do you give up or look for another solution? Perhaps, even though possibly uncomfortable, looking for yet another solution would not be a bad idea—especially if that new way would bear much fruit.

In the book of Judges, the Word of God speaks of Gideon, a character who was not a soldier, was not someone important among his own, and was the youngest of his family. In chapter 6, we see Gideon satisfied with his work until God appeared to him and took him out of his comfort zone, and gave him an assignment. Gideon was so afraid of facing the Midianites that he had a difficult time accepting the mission that God was giving him. Gideon felt overwhelmed because he did not see himself as a warrior—he even said that his clan was weak, and he did not believe that his people were going to do anything that he asked of them.

In chapter 7, we read that God instructed Gideon in his training—knowing that many of those men who went with Gideon were afraid, and others went with bad intentions. Interestingly enough, God´s strategy for Gideon was to take his army from 22,000 men to merely 300 soldiers.

Judges 7:7-8 (NIV) reads:

“The LORD said to Gideon, 'With the three hundred men … I will save you and give the Midianites into your hands. Let all the others go home.' So Gideon sent the rest of the Israelites home but kept the three hundred, who took over the provisions and trumpets of the others.'”

In these verses we can see that God does not require an expert nor does He need much to carry out a great plan. But God does use those who have a willing heart and are ready to obey Him to fulfill His plans and purposes.

We read in Luke that Jesus told Simon Peter to put the nets in deep water and then to “let down the nets for a catch.”

Simon answered, “Master, we’ve worked hard all night and haven’t caught anything. But because you say so, I will let down the nets.” When they had done so, they caught such a large number of fish that their nets began to break. So, they signaled their partners in the other boat to come and help them, and they came and filled both boats so full that they began to sink.” (Luke 5:5-7)

Now, after reading those verses, let me ask you: Have you put your project or situation in God's hands? He is the One who can give you the guidance and the strategy to be able to carry out the assignment. Along the way, there might be things that need to be removed or added to make it better. But your obedience and willingness to follow Him will make all the difference.

I Was Chosen

As a child, when people talked about gifts, I thought of superpowers; and of course, my imagination flew at that age. I wanted to be like the superhero in the comics named the Hulk, and have great strength. When I was in school, I spent time drawing him in every notebook I had. I never imagined that later in life I would have a great affinity with artistic design. During those times, God allowed me to discover and experience one of my gifts.

And that is how God is. He has cultivated gifts in each one of us through the Spirit and has made them something special. Sometimes we do not understand the immensity of the things that come from the Lord and how He can transform something imperfect into a work of art. We can see how several generations have emerged with the abilities given to them and that despite their mistakes, God believed that they would make a difference in the world around them and that generations would recognize everything they did after them.

Each of us has something that differentiates us from others. On certain occasions, those differences must be united to support each other. If you have ever seen a colony of ants working together, you may have noticed that they have an instinctive communication code, and that is how we must operate to bring the Word of God to others in an accessible and collaborative way.

"I would like every one of you to speak in tongues, but I would rather have you prophesy. The one who prophesies is greater than the one who speaks in tongues, unless someone interprets, so that the church may be edified" (1 Corinthians 14:5 NIV).

When I first learned about CBN and did a high-school internship with the organization as an advertising designer, I fell in love with what they did. Each person had a different facet of the ministry to work in, but they all helped each other. It was incredible for me to see so much collaborative work.

The story does not end there. God allowed me to test my abilities again at the end of the internship, but He knew that it was not yet the time to stay on at CBN. Ecclesiastes 3:1 (KJV) tells us that everything has its time, and everything that is wanted under heaven has its hour.

I never imagined getting to that point after serving in my church for many years and doing so many things. I was still not in tune with God's purpose, and, for several years, it was difficult for me to understand the reason for my situation. However, at that point, God forges us through our trials and makes us grow as a person.

I remember as if it were yesterday, in 2019, when I had the opportunity and privilege of joining CBN Costa Rica in the Digital Media area and where I dreamed of working after finishing high school in 2014.

With this achievement, I said to myself, "I won God's admission exam; my gifts were approved."

That is when I understood that God could use us in many areas. For me, I needed to serve Him wholeheartedly in His church before moving forward to serve Him at CBN. Each of us is an essential key to carrying His Word in different ways and at the right time in His all-encompassing plan.

Have you identified the greatest gifts that God has given you? Pray that God would use your life and gifts in new ways each day.

"So it is with you. Since you are eager for gifts of the Spirit, try to excel in those that build up the church." (1 Corinthians 14:12)