Moving Forward

I can vividly remember the day that I was promoted from the children’s ministry to the youth group. Years of anticipation finally culminated in that day and I couldn’t have been more excited. It wasn’t that I didn’t like the children’s ministry; in fact I became a Christian through the children’s ministry at my church. But there was something about becoming a “youth” to which each of us looked forward. It was a rite of passage; evidence that we were getting older and more mature.

My youth group was a place where I belonged. While at most, we never had more than 15 students, we were a close group of friends who had each other’s back. We learned about the Bible, but we also had fun. Whether inspired by retreats, bowling, pool parties, weekly meetings or Bible study, I am forever grateful for the memories that I have as a result of my youth group. I still keep in contact with many of those guys and girls, and it’s amazing to see what God has done in our lives. 5 of us have gone into full-time ministry as pastors and para-church workers. Most of us have gotten married. Some have kids. But what amazes me even more is how many of us are active members of a church. While statistics tell us that students leave the faith never to return upon High school graduation, most of us defied those odds.

Now, years later, I get to welcome a new group of incoming 7th graders into my youth group. Seeing the excitement in their eyes brings back memories: the excitement and anticipation of being a part of that group all come back. It reminds me that God is a giver of good things and He expects us to be excited to receive them. Each day if we look around we'll see the great things that He has in store for us that day. God is moving forward in His plan for us. Are we willing to follow with anticipation and excitement?