"There is nothing more beautiful than to be broken in the arms of the Savior."
I am blessed to be a part of a FOCUS group at school and we have the privilege of going to minister to different youth groups in the area. Being a part of this group has been such an amazing experience. This past weekend in particular was an exceptionally amazing experience. The way God pieced everything together so perfectly was absolutely beautiful. I've never experienced anything like it. The whole weekend was one big "God moment" and His presence was undeniable.
The youth group we were working with was not your average church youth group. They were not brought up in church. They were there because they wanted to be, not because their parents dragged them. The youth pastor picked them up for church and took them home afterwards. They didn't conform to the "stained glass masquerade" and they didn't wear a "church mask" to cover anything up. They were not religious; they were just real. They held nothing back, never pretended to be something they weren't, and they didn't let their diversity cause divisions. Their youth pastor accepted them as they were and did not judge them. He proved himself trustworthy and dependable. He befriended them just as Jesus would have, and he never gave up on them. As a result, they kept coming back. Church for them was not a place to fake who they really were or pretend that life was good when it really wasn't. Church for them was a place where they could be real about their problems; they could seek answers, and find comfort.
The theme for the week was "Are you a thermometer or a thermostat?" In other words, are you changing the world or are you letting the world change you? The key verse was Daniel 3:16-18 which is the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. It is a very familiar passage of scripture. These three men are thrown into the blazing furnace because they refused to bow to a graven image. The furnace was seven times hotter than usual, so hot that the men who threw them in were killed by the flames. But Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego escaped unharmed - and a fourth person was even found walking in the flames with them! It is powerful story of God's deliverance when you stand up for your faith and endure persecution. However, for the lesson Saturday night we chose to focus more on verse 18 in which they declare that they will still praise God even if He doesn't deliver them from the flames. After the lesson, God showed up and left us all in awe.
The theme for the week was "Are you a thermometer or a thermostat?" In other words, are you changing the world or are you letting the world change you? The key verse was Daniel 3:16-18 which is the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. It is a very familiar passage of scripture. These three men are thrown into the blazing furnace because they refused to bow to a graven image. The furnace was seven times hotter than usual, so hot that the men who threw them in were killed by the flames. But Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego escaped unharmed - and a fourth person was even found walking in the flames with them! It is powerful story of God's deliverance when you stand up for your faith and endure persecution. However, for the lesson Saturday night we chose to focus more on verse 18 in which they declare that they will still praise God even if He doesn't deliver them from the flames. After the lesson, God showed up and left us all in awe.
Picture with me a church basement, splatter painted walls, and a room full of mismatched couches. If you look out the window you see that a storm is raging. You can even hear the rolling thunder and flashes of lightening outside. But in this room you can also hear the hearts of God's children singing, "I'll praise you in this storm!" When the music ceases, the Spirit of God takes control. Suddenly, the walls are being torn down and these young people begin to tell their stories. Pain. Heartache. Sorrow. Abuse. Struggles. Brokenness. They begin to ask the tough questions... Why, God? They are crying out. They are seeking answers. My heart is breaking for them, but God slowly opens my eyes to the beauty of their brokenness. They don't even realize it yet, but they are in the arms of the Savior. I no longer see a room full of broken people; instead I see powerful testimonies in the making. We may not be able to save them from their pain, but we can point them to the One who can. We plant the seeds, and God brings it to fruition.
The sin of this world may lead to pain and suffering, but God finds purpose in our pain. I can't even begin to imagine the plan God has in store for this group of young people. Their struggles have only made them stronger and there is no doubt in my mind that one day they will take hold of the promises of God and recognize Him for His goodness. I believe that one day I will sit around the throne of God and listen to them share their stories of deliverance. I will watch the crowns come rolling in as God rewards them for their patience, perseverance, and obedience of His will. Then I'll watch them turn around and cast those crowns back at the feet of Jesus and worship Him for His goodness and provision in their lives. Sweetly broken, wholly surrendered.
The sin of this world may lead to pain and suffering, but God finds purpose in our pain. I can't even begin to imagine the plan God has in store for this group of young people. Their struggles have only made them stronger and there is no doubt in my mind that one day they will take hold of the promises of God and recognize Him for His goodness. I believe that one day I will sit around the throne of God and listen to them share their stories of deliverance. I will watch the crowns come rolling in as God rewards them for their patience, perseverance, and obedience of His will. Then I'll watch them turn around and cast those crowns back at the feet of Jesus and worship Him for His goodness and provision in their lives. Sweetly broken, wholly surrendered.
No comments:
Post a Comment