Youth Sunday

The youth took this Sunday and made it their own! There were 9 students up front. 4 of them ushered. 2 of them greeted. Youth Sunday is always an exciting Sunday for me. It is always gives me hope that the church will continue to exist after my generation is not in charge.

I remember going to youth conventions as a teen, leader, planner, and conference leader. I have seen it from all angles. I would say my favorite time was as a teen. I gave some youth leaders some gray hairs just like by students gave me gray hairs as a leader. I was thankful for those times of community, fun, and discipleship. All of these experiences have helped shape and form me spiritually.  These experiences gave me a small glimpse of how God is working not only in my life but in the lives of 1000’s of others.

At ISYC (Indiana State Youth Convention) they got the same experience.  These leaders and young people were challenged to let God write their story. That’s a difficult thing to do knowing how much we like to have control. They shared the fun time they had but they also challenged us who were listening that God wants all of us ….. the good, bad, and the ugly.

There are many things we go through in life that we just don’t understand. But when we look back we notice where God had been at work. God is at work in the good, bad, and ugly. We tend to think that God is only in the good and only gives us good experiences, good feelings, and good times Don’t get me wrong…. God is in the good but he is also in the bad, ugly, and dark times in our lives. In fact, that is when we seek Him the most. We might not understand what is going on but if we let Him write the story instead of trying to control the story the ending is so much better. In fact one could say the ending will be divine (something difficult for us and others to explain).

I hope you take a moment to watch this 4 minute video. As you see each face come across your screen – pray for them! Pray that God will we use that person to impact a friend who needs Jesus. Pray for the leaders you see and ask God to encourage them as they impact the next generation.

I do believe the generation behind me is going to change the world. Their love for Jesus and their passion to want to make a difference will bring a lot of hope and change when they take over.

Pray now.