Esther 4:14 “For if thou altogether holdest thy peace at this time, then shall there enlargement and deliverance arise to the Jews from another place; but thou and thy father’s house shall be destroyed: and who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this?”
Who saw the changes and challenges 2020 would bring? From online church services, cancelled Teen Camps and Youth Rallies, Zoom Sunday School Classes….The list of adjustments goes on and on. As Youth Workers, this was not what we thought this year would look like. But let me encourage you, God placed us here for “such a time as this”. We were divinely chosen to spiritually navigate our Teenagers and churches through these tough times. Throughout the Old and New Testament, God placed the right person at the right time to lead His people. Esther was one of those people. God’s divine hand lead her on an incredible journey. This journey was not easy and one that took tremendous faith in God to make, but she stayed faithful. The result was deliverance for God’s people.
How exciting with all that 2020 has thrown at our Young People, God chose you and I for this time. There are many Heroes of the Faith that have come and gone. They touched our lives through their preaching, faithfulness, and determination to finish well. Now it’s our turn! Now it’s our time! Let me remind:
The Potential is the Same:
Take a moment and think about the people God used to touch your life. Now look at where you are today. We must be proactive to continue the work the Lord did in us and passing that along to the next Generation. Your Youth Group is full of future Pastors, Youth Workers, Husbands and Wives, Christian School Teachers, Bus Directors, Deacons, and the list goes on. Now it’s your turn to invest in their lives. Recognize the potential of the Teenagers God has called you to minister to, and don’t let the difficulty of 2020 stop you from operating in the calling He has placed on your life.
The Power is the Same:
The Governor of your state does not and cannot limit the Power of God. The decisions made in Washington does affect the Power promised to God’s people. Times have changed, but the same Great Commission given to the Twelve Disciples is still the same powerful message that changes lives today. Hebrews 4:12 tells us that His Word is quick and powerful and sharper than any twoedged sword. Stay in your Bible and on your knees each day. From Abraham to Paul, the key to God’s Power was closeness with Him.
The Prize is the Same:
I believe we are in the last days and getting close to His coming. The finish line is in sight and all that we have battled through will be worth it. There will be eternal rewards for our faithfulness, but let’s not forget the immediate prize….changed lives. Your young people need that encouraging text today. Your Teenagers need you to keep pressing them to stay faithful in their Bible Reading and Prayer lives. Keep reaching and encouraging them in the Lord. Never take your eyes off the immediate prize of touching a life for Him.
Youth Worker, I hope I’ve encouraged you today. Never forget that the Potential, the Power and the Prize are all still the same in 2020. It’s our “for such a time as this”.
Let’s make history for the Lord!
Jason Garner | Youth Pastor
New Manna Baptist Church | Marion, North Carolina
www.newmannabaptist.com
