So, it’s 3am, early Friday morning. I was asleep for about 30 minutes until my 3-year old woke me up. But before falling asleep, I had a hard time falling asleep. I kept thinking about our youth group and how, and I hate to admit it, we’re struggling. Actually, I’m struggling with the youth group. We are operating without clear direction, without passion for Christ, and without inspiration to follow after Jesus. And I hate to admit it, but all of that falls on me.
Looking at this blog for past the last 12 months it’s obvious that I have been distracted by photography. I don’t want to get into it now but I do feel like my hobby has really pulled me away from my job as the youth pastor for my church. Why aren’t our youth impassioned for Christ? Why don’t we have clear direction? Why aren’t the youth inspired to follow Christ? Maybe it’s because I have not been consistently clear, inspired, impassioned, etc.
My prayer is that our youth group regain clear direction, a passion for Jesus and His Word and the inspiration to follow after Jesus.
Would you join me in praying for our youth and my heart?
Thanks for reading.
Joe
Father, please refresh Joe’s heart. Let him wholeheartedly surrender all things to you–his family, his job, his hobby, everything! Would you show Joe which things to pick up again, and in what order? Would you direct his attention to what matters in Your kingdom? Would you release him to merge his passion for photography with his love for and desire to obey You? God, let Joe’s heart continue to expand as he knows You more and rejoices in each member of his family. Let this joy spill over to other relationships, like with the students he works with. Help him to “see” them more clearly, just as he focuses on the subjects of photographs. Help him to see that each of these young ones are as cute and precious to You, Father, as little Ayumi and his soon-to-be-born second child are to him. Give him a clear vision for the future and how you want to use him for Your glory. Take away any blinders that are marring his vision, and let him freely give anything up that is blurring it as well. God, help Joe to praise You with his whole being, everyday. Amen.
Michelle – thanks so much for praying. I appreciate it and I felt God move this weekend. Thanks so much.