YouthESource

Devotion: Why do I do this Anyway? Am I Making Any Impact?

Encouragement for those Struggling with their Sense of Calling or not Seeing Results
My Beloved Child,
Remember this: I will fulfill my purpose for you (Psalm 138:8). I have begun a good work in you and I will not abandon the work of my hand (Philippians 1:6). I know there are days when you don’t see any results, but trust Me, I work on a canvas bigger than you can see right now and I will make EVERYTHING beautiful in its time (Ecclesiastes 3:11). I am in the business of making everything new (Revelation 21:5) and it is my joy to let you be a part of it. So, even when you can’t see where I am leading, trust Me for the next step.
When you get overwhelmed by “those students who you wonder if they’ll ever “get it, remember my power (Job 38-40) and faithfulness (1 Corinthians 1:9). Remember where Paul came from. He was KILLING Christians and yet ended up being one of the people I used most to spread my Good News. If I can do that with him, I can work in the lives of anyone (yes, even “THAT student).
Also remember that it’s not all up to you. I, alone, am the one who can make transformation really happen. Like Paul said in 1 Corinthians 3, he planted the seed, Apollos watered it but I, God, make it grow. By My grace, you are simply who you are. Don’t try to be someone you’re not. Don’t let comparison sneak in and steal your joy. Just simply enjoy being who I’ve made you to be and do what I’ve called you to do and let me worry about the rest (1 Corinthians 15:10).
Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for Me, not for men (Colossians 3:23). I have a purpose for you and I will fulfill it (Psalm 138:8). Trust Me!
Always,
The God Who Transforms

Published June 24, 2013

About the author

Rebekah Freed is Kansas-grown girl who now lives in cornfields of Nebraska (with a 9-year stop in Buffalo, NY). She currently serves the students of Concordia University, Nebraska as the Director in the Student Life Office and loves helping youth and young adults know how much Jesus loves them. (Hint: It’s a lot!) She is a Director of Christian Education (DCE) and has a master's degree in Discipleship in the context of Trauma and Crisis Response. She enjoys kayaking, conversations about things that matter, fresh-baked cookies, the sound of little kids giggling, sunshine, traveling, a fuzzy blanket on a cold winter day, hugs from her nieces, hiking, peanut butter chip ice cream, and celebrating the everyday blessings in life …often with confetti! She occasionally writes about ministry and life at joyfullblessedblog.com.
View more from Rebekah

Related Resources

From Surviving to Thriving Back at School

From Surviving to Thriving Back at School

This is the second devotion on the back to school year. Stress and social anxieties that accompany school experiences, but God is with us. He cares for us as our refuge and strength in trouble.

Starting Seasons Smoothly

Starting Seasons Smoothly

This is the first devotion dedicated to transitioning back to a new school year. As we enter a new season, let’s embrace our new routines and live daily in God’s presence and providence.

The JOY of Living Love for Servant Events

The JOY of Living Love for Servant Events

This Bible study series reviews five scriptural stories of people who were called out of some particular place or situation by God and into service to Him and to others. This series was originally created to serve LCMS Servant Events during their week-long programming.

Heart of a Servant

Heart of a Servant

In this six part Bible study and devotion series, we will look at what the a servant heart looks like. Explore how God is and makes us willing, prayerful, compassionate, brave, broken, and hopeful servants. This study was originally designed for 2018 LCMS Servant Events being held over a week. 

Real. Present. God. for Servant Events

Real. Present. God. for Servant Events

Real. Present. God. is a six session study with parallel devotions that takes passages from the book of Psalms, full of material about our God’s power and presence.

Connected

Connected

In this devotion we will be reminded that isolation is dangerous and God has given us community to care for us.

0 Comments

Submit a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

How do I know if our youth ministry program is healthy and properly caring for our teens?

Discover how you can enhance your youth ministry and serve the youth in your church with Seven Practices of Healthy Youth Ministry.

Share This