What We Need to Hear From Our Sisters

There is nothing like a birthday coming around to bring about thoughts of the past (especially one where you have to pause to figure out how old you are.. ha!). When the days run into each other, and life moves at the speed of a freight train, it’s easy to forget all that has happened in your life.

One such Sunday morning I was feeling equally nostalgic as I happened to glance over to the rows filled with middle and high schoolers. My mind went back to when I was the one in that group. I thought of my days in high school;  the stress of studying and homework, the juggling of all my activities,  the hurt feelings, the heart breaks, and the task of trying to live out my faith at school. As I was reminded of the days I don’t often think on- a sense of God’s faithfulness through it all rang in my mind.

It’s easy to look back and see things in a better perspective, but when we’re in the thick of it- it’s so easy to lose sight.  My heart began to ache for these young men and women and the temptations and distractions which could come. I so badly wanted to grab them and tell them, “It’s worth it! Jesus is worth it! Keep it up! I got to the other side- the time you spend in the Bible, it’s worth it! Choosing to turn to God’s Word when you are hurt- it’s worth it! Choosing to dress differently than those around you – it’s worth it! I know it may seem like so many other activities seem more interesting, more fun, even more important at the time-but Christ is what matters!”

Reading through the New Testament, it is easy to see we all need to be encouraged and reminded of these things. Paul echoes similar encouragements in so many of his letters, and can be seen very clearly in his letter to the younger Timothy :

“Have nothing to do with irreverent, silly myths. Rather train yourself for godliness, for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come. The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance. For to this end we toil and strive, because we have our hope set on the living God, who is the Savior of all people, especially of those who believe. ” 1 Timothy 4: 7-10

Here is an older Paul, encouraging Timothy, reminding him what is important, reminding him that all this training for godliness-getting to know the Lord more- it’s really  his only solid hope. It’s the only thing that holds value in every way. It’s worth it.

I left my thoughts with a renewed desire to encourage, to grow relationships, to share with those younger than me that it really is worth it.

Then, suddenly, a picture of my own days came into my head. I thought of the prayer lists that often get pushed aside in order to do the dishes. I thought of my memory verse list which hasn’t been glanced at in a while. I thought of the naptimes where I often chose to find relaxation from blogs and Facebook instead of reading the life giving Word of God. And I repeated to myself, “Brianna- it’s worth it.” Oh how we quickly forget. Oh how often we need a reminder from those on the other side of it. To remind us what really matters- when all we can see is messy homes and our surface needs.

So I humbly ask you to consider with me, the ways we can spur on the people God has placed in our lives. Maybe you are in high school and know some younger girls in your church- tell them that continuing to learn more about who God is, even when it may not be cool- it’s worth it- you know that for a fact!  Maybe you’re a young adult and have formed a friendship with a college girl- lovingly remind her that seeking God’s mission and plan will bring more joy than any dream we can have on our own- because you’ve experienced it. Or maybe you’re a mom of teens and want to minister to the younger moms in your church- encourage them to keep it up;  that they will never regret using their precious free time to open God’s Word. The house,  dinner, that tv show- it can all wait- because Jesus is worth it.