Seeing God Through the Details

“Can I get a volunteer?” A question that all of us have asked in student ministry at one point in time or another. Whether it be for a kid to volunteer to play some silly, made-up-on-the-spot game or for an adult to step up and be that final chaperone needed for camp, we have needed a volunteer. Every single one of those volunteers, no matter how small their job may seem, makes an impact for the Kingdom. Every small detail makes an impact for the Kingdom.

One of my all-time greatest volunteers was a dear friend of mine named Gene. Gene was willing to do anything that I asked of him except speak in public! Gene was the epitome of being a servant to the Lord. Every year on our journey to beach camp, Gene was faithful to take off work and drive the luggage trailer. While we were there, he would make runs to Walmart, Taco Bell, Starbucks, or anywhere else needed to serve his church, support our students, and just be a blessing to those around him. Every Sunday, you could find him in the nursery, walking a crying baby up and down the hallway so that the baby’s parents could worship together and never for a moment be worried about the care that the child was receiving. No matter the task, Gene was willing. Even in the simplicity of driving a trailer, my friend Gene made an impact on the Kingdom of God. In 2022, the Lord called Gene home. His impact on the Kingdom is still felt today. God used Gene because he was always willing to answer the call. Friends, that is the challenge for all of us. To be willing and ready to do whatever God asks of us and watch Him work through the details, plans, and prayers.

With Winter Retreats, D-Now’s, and Ski-Trips right around the corner, planning all the things is in full effect. It might be finding host homes, budgeting for t-shirts, or making sure the speaker has everything they need; it feels like all our time and energy are going into the planning for an upcoming event. One initial reminder that I must give myself, and I want to give each of you, is that God is in all those details! No matter how mundane room assignments may feel, we don’t realize how putting certain students together just might lead to the exact Christ-centered, Gospel conversations that need to happen amongst a certain group. God is working in those details, even if all we see is a tedious task.

ALL THE PLANNING…IT’S WORTH IT!

There have been many times that all this planning has felt overwhelming, exhausting, and, quite honestly, not even worth it. But what we must remember is that when the Gospel is proclaimed, when students draw closer to Jesus, when a student’s eternity is changed because they are entering a relationship with Christ, all that planning shows its worth. It shows that Christ is in those details.

We can turn to Psalm 138 and see clearly God’s goodness in these details. Psalm 138:8 says, “The Lord will fulfill His purpose for me; your steadfast love, O Lord, endures forever. Do not forsake the work of your hands.” Man, isn’t that exactly the reminder we all need? There are so many instances where we all feel like this exhausting work is overwhelming. Our mind wants to tell us that the work is too hard, and we question, “Is it worth it?” Repeatedly, the answer is yes! Proverbs 19:21 says, “Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand.”

His goal for all those plans will be fulfilled. I tell our team often that if the Gospel is clear and lives are changed for Jesus, all the plans are worth it. Maybe your role in the plan is “small” in your eyes. Don’t ever take for granted how God can use you to impact and grow the Kingdom. You might be opening your home to a group of students, cooking a meal for students, or you might have the luxurious job of driving a bus full of middle school students to a weekend retreat. Don’t underestimate how the Lord can and will use you according to His plan. The Lord uses faithfulness and the little things to continue His work.

TO FOLLOW THE PLAN, WE’VE GOT TO PREPARE

What do we have to do to be ready for these moments? Full obedience is the only answer. Friends, we must be in this constant state of preparedness for God to use us. For any plan to work, we must prepare well. Prior to my answering the call to ministry, I was a football and baseball coach, along with being a history teacher. Any time that I prepared well, whether teaching or coaching, the plan went off better than when my preparation was minimal. If we truly want to live on mission for Christ, our preparation must be a daily task. Yes, these big evangelistic events are great, and we see much life-change in each one of them. But if those events are going to match our desire, we must be in daily preparation with the Lord. After all, the results belong to Him. The plans that we set out, the schedule that we create, all belong to Him. And there may be moments when God will change the plan. It isn’t our job to keep that plan simple for us; it’s our job to stay obedient to Him and give the Holy Spirit room to work and move as only He can. Youth leader, as you plan and pray for your next big event, remember that whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men. (Colossians 3:23) God is going to use and honor your hard work. The plan ultimately belongs to Him. Honor Christ as you plan, prepare yourself for what God is going to do, and honor Him with your effort. Your reward will be great in eternity!

So, get ready, God is about to do something incredible! He wants to use you in mighty ways. Even in those details that seem so simple, God is at work. No matter what your role might be, be prayed up, studied up, and ready to have an impact on the Kingdom of God.

Share your thoughts with others in our YM360 community:

1. How have you seen the Lord work through the planning of a trip or event?
2. How can you take more opportunities to include Christ in all the details? What areas of your student ministry need more of His attention to detail?

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