Being involved in youth groups, I have had many opportunities to listen to some wonderful messages. However, some catch my attention more than others, which is why I want to elaborate on one specific one that I heard this weekend. Some of the churches here in Millen, Georgia, held a youth conference in which we had devotions, small groups, games, food, staying up half the night and of course the wonderful mannequin challenge. I love being able to be a counselor at events like these, because I am able to help and watch youth grow in their faith while I get to grow in mine as well. It is so heart-warming to see teenagers going to the altar to give their life to Christ. We aren't perfect- we all make mistakes, but that first step towards God is so worth it.
Anyways, the message that I wanted to elaborate on was meeting needs. We all take this as physical needs. As in someone who got hurt and we take care of their injury. We tend to forget that needs can also mean emotional or spiritual. Being human, we tend to only care about what's on the outside, which isn't the case at all. We need to look deeper and realize that there is more to people than just what they show on the outside. Someone could be the happiest and sweetest person you ever met, but when they go home they are being abused, or their family is broken, or they don't get enough food at home. Someone could also be at church every time the door is open, but they don't have God in their hearts. They are spiritually broken and lost on the inside.
As Christians, we should be willing to look deeper and realize there is more than what's on the surface. We are here to make disciples for Christ, and we can do this by meeting the needs of others. Even if someone doesn't want to talk to you or listen to what you have to say, you have planted that seed and they will always have that in their minds even if they don't realize it. After planting that seed, or even if they do confide in you, pray. No one on this earth can save the hearts of others, that can only be done by God. We can't lead someone to Christ by just looking at their outer shell and assuming that they don't need our help because they're at church or because they're always helping others with a smile on their face.
Now, I'm probably one of the most shy people on this planet. I have opened up a lot lately, but it's still hard for me to open up to others about Christ. However, I am here to say this. Don't be afraid to open up. Step out of your comfort zone and share your love for God with someone else. Joshua 1:9(NIV) says, "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go." No matter how intimidating it might be to talk to someone about Christ, don't let it keep you from what you were put on this earth to do. God is always with you through every scary person or task that you may face. Trust in the Lord that He will give you the right words to say in order to bring that person closer to Him. Don't let it discourage you if they don't listen or if they say harsh things. Don't let that alter your faith in God. Pray that God will change their hearts.
We are all broken in some way deep down inside. We all need someone to be there for us, even if they are just in prayer. Keep your heart open so that you can see others the way God does. Reach out to people you feel led to. Don't let harsh words discourage you, keep looking to God and keep your trust in Him. He will always be with you no matter what you go through.
