our work is not in vain.

Youth ministry is hard work. You pour and pour until you’re empty, then look around and are sometimes disappointed at your results. Last night, I overheard a girl in the restroom say, “it’s JUST praise and worship” as she explained to someone on the phone whey she wasn’t in the sanctuary at the present moment. 

I was actually in the restroom trying to escape the heavy emotions I felt during praise and worship when I kept seeing kids on their cell phones, others having loud conversations with friends and more simply zoned out. Praise and worship ushers in the presence of the living God, yet they were completely oblivious to this fact… 

After hearing the young lady’s true feelings, I found a quiet place to pray because rather than just throw my hands up in defeat, I realize that I can do more damage praying to God and asking for His divine intervention. 

This morning I woke up with my heart still heavy, but God gave me a word during my drive to work: 

“6 I planted the seed in your hearts, and Apollos watered it, but it was God who made it grow. 7 It’s not important who does the planting, or who does the watering. What’s important is that God makes the seed grow. 8 The one who plants and the one who waters work together with the same purpose. And both will be rewarded for their own hard work. 9 For we are both God’s workers. And you are God’s field. You are God’s building." – 1 Corinthians 3:6-9

Perhaps, it’s my season to do more planting than watering, which means I won’t necessarily see the "fruit” of my labor. However, God keeps bringing me back to this verse, “what’s important is that God makes the seed grow.”

In my own strength, I can’t make a seed of righteousness grow in a teen’s heart. I believe God designed it this way so that He always gets the glory. He leaves no room for pride to come in to try to steal His shine. I thank Him for that.

One day, that same girl will be in praise and worship with her hands raised high giving a shout of praise to the Lord. Until then, I’ll plant seeds in some, water seeds in others, and allow God to increase their faith and love toward Him. 

Our work is not in vain.