We had a great time at FBC Youth Worship last night. I'd love to tell you all about it. First a quick recap:
1. Countdown
2. Student Scripture/Prayer (Morgan and Becca!)
3. Singin' - "Glory to God Forever" (new!), "Sweetly Broken"
4. Offering
5. Video - "Who Are You?"
6. Message - "Identity Crisis"
7. Response - "Yahweh (Why Should I Fear)"
There you go! Last night was definitely one of those chase-after-God nights. From our worship to the reflective video (watch it above) to the message to the closing we were (I hope) waiting expectantly for God to show up, to speak to us.
And to be honest with you, after everyone was gone I was wondering if we missed Him. If I'm being completely transparent there are nights where I feel like everything is "right" - the worship is genuine and heartfelt, the message is clear and convicting, and the desire is there - but there is no visible evidence that God showed up in a big way.
Now, I'm the last guy to want to measure the spiritual success of our gatherings by how many people cried, or how many hands were raised during worship, or how many public decisions were made/shared. But I truly forget sometimes that while I'm waiting for God to show up LOUDLY He often prefers to work slowly, quietly, and inwardly.
So frankly I left last night a little down, a little frustrated, asking God this question: "I did everything You led to me to do, said everything You led me to say... why didn't You show up?"
When I got home I had three messages waiting for me on Facebook. Two were from students who were there last night and wanted to share what God had spoken to them through our time together. The other was from a student I haven't seen in almost two years who wanted to share that the time he spent in our youth ministry really meant something to him and he just wanted to encourage me to keep it up.
Isn't it funny? Isn't it funny that when we think God's not there and that He isn't working just because there's not a huge EXPLOSION of worship in the moment that He patiently, quietly, and profoundly corrects us?
I stand gratefully corrected.
Have you ever come on anything quite like this extravagant generosity of God, this deep, deep wisdom? It's way over our heads. We'll never figure it out.
Is there anyone around who can explain God?
Anyone smart enough to tell him what to do?
Anyone who has done him such a huge favor
that God has to ask his advice?
Everything comes from him;
Everything happens through him;
Everything ends up in him.
Always glory! Always praise!
Yes. Yes. Yes.
Romans 11:33-36, The Message
- Tim





