Assessments

There's comes many times in lives, times of assessment; times of evaluation. Depending on the circumstances, you or may not see them approaching. Whether they be moments of occasion or specific dates on the calendar, you know these are times to reflect and take things into consideration. Other times may not be so designated, yet you know when something occurs, that perhaps it's time to take a look.

We all go through assessments. Whether they be at tax time, the educational concerns of a child or a behavioral or attitude problem with a trouble teen; anyone seeking to improve their financial picture or sort through an increasingly difficult relationship or marriage... such can not be overlooked. Granted, the details may be hard to sort through, analyze and discuss, but doing nothing solves nothing.

Then there are matters of faith and our place in life in relationship to what God is accomplishing. We have to take a look at where we are and what we understand God is working out; we have to sort through the details, thoughts and concerns and ultimately, bring ourselves into or back into, as the case may be, in alignment with God and His Word.

Assessments often take time. The findings and the results that come about take even more time. Coming up with game-plans and steps of action that need to be taken to bring the situation under control and matters of importance back on course... these take time still.

There is a growth and maturing process for each and everyone of us... and those times are not always obvious. So, about the only thing that can be developed early on, in one's faith, is a sensitivity for the things of God and the power of the Holy Spirit at work in one's life. When the willingness for God to work and reveal things begins to fade, we lose the ability to see clearly that which would attempt to come against us and throw us off course.

On this #youthPastorWednesday, pray God would help, pastors and parents instill in our youth, a sensitivity for God, for His Word, for the power and indwelling of the Holy Spirit. Pray for a willingness to be used of God and to desire to be in alignment with Him, rather than personality or a society. Pray for a strength and a resolve; that when trials and tribulations come; when difficulties surround and tensions mount, that today's youth would stand firm on the promises of God that are YES and AMEN to them that believe. May the plans of the enemy be thwarted, in his attempts to distract, derail and destroy this generation. Pray a hunger and passion for God; that as the praise song Set a Fire plays even now, that each of us would indeed "want more of you, God."

Suffer the little ones to come to Christ.
For His glory.
For the advancement of the kingdom of God.

- PNC