Because of What God Has Done - We Can Always Be Joyful!

We are entering month seven not being able to go into the facilities and minister to youth.  We have been doing prayer walks and last week we dropped off some art supplies and snacks for the youth and staff at three facilities.  Volunteers are writing letters and sending cards of encouragement, and we put together backpacks for youth getting out after being committed.  We are doing whatever we can to let the youth and staff know that we are here for them.  It is very hard, and it can be discouraging not going in.  A few days ago, a good friend sent me the following story as encouragement:
A woman I know planned an event at a local park and invited all the neighborhood children to participate. She was excited about the opportunity to share her faith with her neighbors.
She recruited her three grandchildren and two high school students to help her, gave the assignments, planned several games and other activities, prepared food, prepared a Bible story about Jesus to present to the children, and waited for them to gather.
Not a single child showed up the first day. Or the second day. Or the third day. Yet, each day my friend went through that day’s activities with her grandchildren and helpers.
On the fourth day, she noticed a family picnicking nearby and invited the children to join in the games. One little girl came, entered the fun, ate with them, and listened to the story about Jesus. Perhaps years from now she’ll remember. Who knows what the outcome will be? God, through the book of Galatians, encourages us, “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people” (6:9–10).
Don’t worry about numbers or other visible measures of success. Our job is to be faithful to what He wants us to do and then leave the harvest to Him. God determines the outcomes.
This story does not only pertain to YFC, but to everyone’s lives.  In these times we can be discouraged and weary about many things.
The Lord told me I needed to be concerned about two things.   What is He doing in me and what does He want to do through me?
As we move into fall, let us not focus on what is or is not happening in the world but, on what our God IS doing.  Let us be of great Cheer!  Let us be Joyful!  Be Encouraged!
John 16:33 “I have told you all these things so that you may have peace in me.  Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart because I have overcome the world.”
Blessing my friends,
Andrew LaValley