Remaining Sensitive...

I found myself pondering again, the words of encouragement I often received in my youth.

Keep your heart sensitive towards the things of God.

My parents and brother were incredible supporters during my formative and teen years, and while they are a handful of things they talked me out of (that were probably for the best even if was disappointing to hear at them time), they never let me forget who I was and whose I was.

My mom's next oldest sister was perhaps the one who most often who spoke the exact words. Her mother-in-law, an incredible woman of faith, who served both in missions and as a Pastor, shared this sentiment of encouragement whenever I saw her. Talk about a woman who had some stories to tell when it came to her relationship with Almighty God and her walk with Jesus Christ.

Sorry... got side-tracked just thinking about her. That said though, maybe Nana makes the point I'm looking to make.

As life progresses and the challenges grow increasingly difficult, if we aren't careful, we can quickly become distracted and desensitized in our spirit. Perhaps not entirely closed off to the things of God, but life encroaches and our time is sapped and tapped; drawn, quarter and calendar-ed off and all-too-quickly, the pace of our walk with God is off.

Satan has always been out to destroy the child. Thus, if at a young age, he can't cause enough chaos to harden hearts towards God, he steps up his game into adulthood. Of course, anything he can do to thwart the advancement of the Gospel, makes pastors of children and youth, a trifecta target.

Yet, just another reminder, that the enemy of our soul does not discriminate... against physical age, spiritual age nor ministry position.

Thus, pray, this #youthPastorWednesday, that God would strengthen their resolve; not only to the ministry, but in their personal journey of faith. For the attacks of the enemy that they encounter personally, may God grant to them wisdom and direction in overcoming the challenges and difficulties they face. Pray for friends and mentors who will stand beside them and stand with them. In ministry, may the Holy Spirit renew their hearts and minds to new depths in the faith. May their understanding of God and His Word bring transformation and revelation to the kids and teens they lead. Pray for conversations to bring clarity, revelation and transformation to the hearts, minds and souls of young people. May foundations of faith be set and established, not only for life on earth, but for the eternal reward.

That what was meant for destruction
Would strengthen one's resolve.
What was meant to harm,
May it be used for good.
To those who love God;
Called according to His purpose.
For the His glory.
And the advancement of the Gospel of Christ.

- PNC

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