Could it be that the very thing that we avoid like the plague is the VERY thing God has created us to do?
For so long I avoided interacting with teenagers mostly because of my own insecurities. What could I possibly offer them? I was older and I never wanted to try and be one of those parents who think they are hip and cool, but whose kids are humiliated every time mom opens her mouth.
I avoided our youth building basically the first 9 years I attended our church. As far as I was concerned, it may as well have been on another planet. Forget that ever so quiet voice in the back of my mind prompting me to check it out. It wasn't until after I befriended some teens and young adults through a separate ministry that I ventured up to a youth service. Even then, I stood there convinced that no one wanted me there. What I didn't realize at the time was that my insecurity was just pride! I was out of my comfort zone and in a place where I felt truly unconnected.
Well, once #1 became an official member of the "youth" I ventured up more frequently....but, more as a parent than a burning desire to minister to anyone (again, I couldn't imagine why anyone so young and cool would want me to speak to them). I still remained on the fringes, on the back wall, hesitant to reach out for fear of rejection. My husband officially joined the youth staff, but I did not.
But, like an ice cube on a sidewalk in June my resolve to remain unattached and unaffected is melting away. The truth is I WAS moved, I did want to pour into these kids. At the same time I felt a strong connection building with the rest of the youth staff, their love for the kids left me in tears most nights. And, then BAM!...the Lord spoke in a still quiet way, that the reason I can't seem to resist is because He has placed this very desire inside me. Everything that was keeping me away from being used by Him in youth ministry was false and insignificant. It was a combination of me and the devil making excuse after excuse as to why I was not cut out for it. But, one day recently, I woke up with a love for this younger generation and a burden for them to be released in what God has called them to do and I realized (just as He always does) He overcame all the objections!! And, I'm not even sure I was aware of the process.
I am looking forward to this new freedom in my life and I plan to take very seriously the calling He has placed on my heart.
I avoided our youth building basically the first 9 years I attended our church. As far as I was concerned, it may as well have been on another planet. Forget that ever so quiet voice in the back of my mind prompting me to check it out. It wasn't until after I befriended some teens and young adults through a separate ministry that I ventured up to a youth service. Even then, I stood there convinced that no one wanted me there. What I didn't realize at the time was that my insecurity was just pride! I was out of my comfort zone and in a place where I felt truly unconnected.
Well, once #1 became an official member of the "youth" I ventured up more frequently....but, more as a parent than a burning desire to minister to anyone (again, I couldn't imagine why anyone so young and cool would want me to speak to them). I still remained on the fringes, on the back wall, hesitant to reach out for fear of rejection. My husband officially joined the youth staff, but I did not.
But, like an ice cube on a sidewalk in June my resolve to remain unattached and unaffected is melting away. The truth is I WAS moved, I did want to pour into these kids. At the same time I felt a strong connection building with the rest of the youth staff, their love for the kids left me in tears most nights. And, then BAM!...the Lord spoke in a still quiet way, that the reason I can't seem to resist is because He has placed this very desire inside me. Everything that was keeping me away from being used by Him in youth ministry was false and insignificant. It was a combination of me and the devil making excuse after excuse as to why I was not cut out for it. But, one day recently, I woke up with a love for this younger generation and a burden for them to be released in what God has called them to do and I realized (just as He always does) He overcame all the objections!! And, I'm not even sure I was aware of the process.
I am looking forward to this new freedom in my life and I plan to take very seriously the calling He has placed on my heart.
3 comments:
My Dear, YOU have so much to offer the younger generation. It all boils down to one thing we ALL want to be accepted, we ALL want to be loved...there is NO age limit to these desires. If we love and accept one another, no matter the age, we will be fulfilling the highest call of Jesus.1Corinthians 13:13 to 14:1a "And so faith, hope, love abide [faith--conviction and belief respecting man's relation to God and divine things; hope--joyful and confident expectation of eternal salvation; love--true affection for God and man, growing out of God's love for and in us], these three; but the greatest of these is love. EAGERLY PURSUE and seek to acquire [this] love [make it your aim, your great quest];..."
I'm thankful God has called you to love the next generation with me!!!
Bless you, friend!!!! :)
Isn't God just amazing? I've noticed he does things backwards of what we want ALOT! Don't ever say never to anything because undoubtedly, you will end up right smack dab in the middle of that never. :) We serve an awesome God!
Thats awesome!! I am so excited for you and J. You guys are a great example for our youth and the Lord will use you guys powerfully. Shaggy and Rocker have a little time before they head up there but I am glad to hear there are wonderful men and women of the Lord like you two up there encouraging those kids.
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