“Who has done such mighty deeds, summoning each new generation from the beginning of time? It is I, the LORD, the First and the Last. I alone am he.” Isaiah 41:4 NLT
Do you ever listen to the news and worry for the next generation? I have.
Headlines tell of the diminishing morals and the acceptance of the unthinkable. A friend expressed concern over her daughter bringing a grandchild into this world and I understood what she was feeling.
Thankfully these fears of mine are being quieted by a rising tide I’m beginning to see.
HOPE FOR THE NEXT GENERATION
Our church youth group in little Leamington has grown to over 100 members. Last Sunday we attended one of the five services my daughter’s church, Grace City in Lakeland, FL run and felt so old as the place was full of young adults worshipping with hands raised. Shelby then went to her friend’s church in Orlando where they have 1500 teenagers coming to youth each week. God is summoning the next generation and they’re answering His call!
Isaiah brings encouragement as he reminds the people that God has planned, from the beginning of time, to reach each new generation. Peter confirmed this truth when he preached on the day of Pentecost as the Holy Spirit was being poured out on the people of his time. Peter encouraged everyone there to receive salvation and the gift of the Holy Spirit, telling the people how, “The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off–for all whom the Lord our God will call.”1 Scripture after scripture encourages us that God desires to reach each new generation.
Instead of grumbling and complaining about these kids, let’s band together and pray for them. We’ll be praying in agreement with God’s will for the next generation and that will produce a great harvest of souls.
PRAYER FOR THE NEXT GENERATION
Father…Burden my heart for the next generation. As I see the culture moving away from You, help me focus my eyes on the tide rising of young people who want to serve You. Summon this next generation and let their hearts be turned to you. Cause revival to break out in the high schools, Colleges and Universities; as a spirit of repentance draws Your children back to You, and may we as adults give them an example to follow. In Jesus Name…Amen
#Dare2Share
Post in the Comment Section below and bolster the faith of someone else!
- Acts 2:39 NIV
Lakepoint Family Church; Leamington, ON http://www.lakepoint.church
Grace City; Lakeland, FL http://www.gracecityfl.com
;Orlando, FL
[tweetthis]Father…Burden my heart for the next generation[/tweetthis]
YOU CAN OFTEN FIND ME LINKING UP WITH:
MONDAY Monday Meditations – Laura J. Davis,
TUESDAY Cheerleaders of Faith #RARaLinkup – Kelly Balarie,
WEDNESDAY Coffee For Your Heart – Holley Gerth, Word Nerd Wednesdays — Liz Giertz
THURSDAY Heart Encouragement Thursday – Crystal Storms, Chasing Community – Barbara Bradford Ottinger
FRIDAY Dance With Jesus Linkup – Susan B. Mead, Grace and Truth Linkup – Arabah Joy, Counting My Blessings – Deb Wolf, Fresh Market Friday – Crystal Twaddell
I love hearing about teens worshipping God! Our church has great youth and college programs, but not all do.
Sarah,
I’m so glad to hear your church does too. We need to keep these kids covered in prayer. They fight an uphill battle more than we ever did. Thanks for stopping by 🙂
~Sherry
xoxo
Oh, Sherry. I just saw and replied to your comment. Please know I’m praying for you, friend. ((HUG))
And, how wonderful that you’re seeing this rising tide of young folks in church. That gives me hope. My adult sons aren’t in church. They were raised in church, but they’re kind of sowing a few wild oats right now. I pray for them so much, and it does my heart good to hear these encouraging words of yours today. Thank you. ((hug)) Thank you for sharing with #ChasingCommunity, Sherry. You’re a blessing. xoxo
Brenda,
Thanks for your prayers Brenda!
My son is in the same boat, floating away from church. I’ve been recharged with hope after what God has shown me. Have a blessed day!
~Sherry
xoxo
Thank you, Sherry, for the reminder to pray for this next generation.
I know God is moving in the hearts of those at my church. But I love hearing how God is working beyond what I know.
((Hugs)) to you, sweet friend.
Crystal,
Praying for you girl as you expand the borders for so many through your linkup. May God expand your borders!
~Sherry
xoxo
I love your prayer, Sherry, and we definitely need to pray for the next generation. I work with young people and I have been thinking a lot lately about the challenges they face in living as Christians within the culture that surrounds them. (I’m in Scotland so it’s probably a bit different. There are very few youth groups here that would have anywhere near 100 people and certainly none with 1500.) There is a youth event I’ve been involved in a few times a year that gathers about 600 young people though and it is amazing to see them worship together. That verse from Isaiah is really encouraging and a great reminder that it is God who calls each new generation.
Lesley.
I had no idea you were from Scotland 🙂 I love working with youth too. I was a youth pastor and still speak to teen girls with a {Pure}beauty message I have that helps take the focus off of gaining self-worth and understanding what God says about us. I love it when I get to speak into a young woman’s life and see God bring something alive in her!
For my email subscribers I included some extra scriptures on topic. I think you may be encouraged by them too.
1. Isaiah 41:4
2. Psalm 78:5-7
3. Psalm 102:18
4. Psalm 22:31
Be Blessed and Refreshed!
~Sherry
xoxo
Oh, Sherry … I’m so with you on this. I attended The Declare Conference last summer and was astounded at the depth of the young women leading it … and I met many young women bloggers whose roots are deep. Back home at my church, my cry is to these young women … take up the torch! God’ calling YOU to lead! They desperately need our prayers … but I’m excited about how God is moving in the hearts of young people.
Dianne,
Glad to hear of signs of the tide growing amongst young blogging women too! The next generation does desperately need our prayers. The culture is so against the ways of God. Great connecting with you today!
~Sherry
xoxo
Thank you for this reminder and I will join in prayer with you! I was encouraged by your post because I have 5 kids that are the next generation. I want them to find a church family and friends dedicated and growing in the Lord. They need faithful friends and a Godly community.
#Grace&Truth
Julie,
Christian friends are so important to the next generation staying involved with Christ. A solid youth group is key. Pray you have a blessed weekend!
~Sherry
xoxo