As a parent, or a children's minister it's natural to want the best for our children. We want them to have a bright future, to be happy, and to succeed in everything they do. But sometimes, we can get so focused on these things that we forget the most important thing of all: our relationship with God.
Matthew 6:33 reminds us of this: "But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well." In other words, we shouldn't serve God just because we want something from Him. We should serve Him because we love Him.
Years ago, I had a vision of an ice cream cone while I was praying. In the vision, I saw a new generation streaming towards the ice cream with so many delicious toppings on it. Then, I saw the ice cream turn into a cross, and I heard these words: "The new generation should taste and see that the Lord is good."
The Ice Cream Cone
This vision became the inspiration behind this ministry For 26 years now, we have been ministering to children and families, sharing the love of God with them in fun and creative ways.
But starting this ministry wasn't easy. I learned four vital things early on that helped me stay focused on God and His plan for this ministry:
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This is His ministry: We are simply His vessels, His hands and feet in this world. We must always remember that it's not about us; it's about Him.
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Let the children come to me: Jesus' words in Matthew 19:14 are still the cry of His heart today. We must never hinder children from coming to Him.
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Trust Him with childlike faith: We walk by faith and not by sight, and He will provide. We must trust Him completely, like a child trusts their parent.
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Overcome the enemy: We overcome the enemy by the blood of the lamb and the word of our testimony. We must share our testimonies of God's faithfulness and provision with others, so that they too can be encouraged.
Through all the ups and downs, God has been faithful. I remember one event where I felt led to buy ice cream for the 500 kids present. I prayed for provision, and a man I had never met before showed up and gave us an envelope with enough money to buy ice cream for all the kids.
God provides, even in the smallest things. And that's what I want to encourage you with today. Don't give up on your relationship with God. Trust Him, even when things get tough. Walk by faith and not by sight. And always remember that this is His ministry, not yours.
What qualifies anyone for ministry to the next generation is childlike faith. So be strong in the Word, follow the leading of the Holy Spirit, and trust Him for testimony upon testimony. And remember, not every day will be easy, but God is good every day. You cannot quit; this is His ministry.