Believe the Best!
by Steve Spence
If there’s one thing I’ve learned in student ministry, it’s this: the emotional and spiritual rollercoaster ride of teenagers can jade even the most seasoned youth pastor if we’re not careful. It’s not the big crises that get us—it’s the steady drip of drama, disappointment, and decisions that make us wonder, Are they even listening? And if we’re not intentional, bitterness can start to settle in like a fog.
But I’ve made a choice in ministry that has saved my heart more times than I can count: I choose to believe the best about my students.
For me, believing the best starts with showing up face-to-face. I value real conversation far more than what scrolls across my feed. I made a commitment a long time ago not to depend on social media for “the tea.” If something is truly important to a student—if it’s heavy, confusing, life-altering, or overwhelming—they’ll tell me when they’re ready. I don’t need their posts to shape my opinion of them or steal my compassion before I even walk into the room.
And honestly? I don’t want to start ministry conversations already annoyed at them because of something they posted at 1:17 AM on a Tuesday.
Instead, I try to use my words to speak life every time I’m with them. You and I both know how rarely students hear encouragement—real encouragement—from the adults in their world. So when I get the chance, I call out the good I see in them. I tell them who they are, not just what they did. I remind them of the identity God is forming in them, not just the struggle they’re stuck in right now. When I speak life, it changes the way I see them… and it often changes the way they see themselves.
Believing the best also means celebrating every win I can find. Big wins, small wins, “you-actually-turned-in-your-homework-on-time” wins—I’ll take them all. I want my students to know I’m paying attention to their progress, not just their problems. Somewhere along the line, I realized that when I cheer for the small things, students start trusting me with the big things.
I’ve also learned to ask curious questions—questions that dig a little deeper than the surface but still communicate care instead of interrogation. Questions like, “What’s been the hardest part of this for you?” or “What are you hoping will happen next?” or “How can I walk with you in this?” When we approach them with curiosity rather than judgment, they can tell. And it matters.
But ultimately, believing the best is really about believing what God wants to do in them through whatever season they’re walking in. Not ignoring their sin. Not pretending they aren’t making choices that worry us. Not putting our heads in the sand. But remembering that God isn’t finished with them… and He isn’t frustrated with the process.
Youth pastor, don’t let bitterness steal the joy of what God has called you to do. Don’t let disappointment dictate the way you shepherd. Believe the best—not because your students always get it right, but because God is always at work. And that is always worth believing in.
If you’re finding yourself wrestling with bitterness, frustration, or compassion fatigue in this season of ministry, you don’t have to walk through it alone. I’d love to help you process it, pray with you, and encourage you toward healthier rhythms. I’m offering a free first-time, one-on-one coaching session through Fresh Calling—no pressure, no agenda, just space for you to breathe and be heard. If you want to talk, let’s set something up.
Have a Plan
by Steve Spence
This is part three in our series dealing with the devotional life of the youth pastor.
There’s something I’ve learned over the years about my walk with Jesus: if I don’t plan it, it probably won’t happen. I don’t drift into spiritual health. I don’t accidentally fall into the Word. And I’m guessing you don’t either. Ministry is loud. Student ministry is really loud. If we aren’t intentional about carving out a moment—just one planned, protected moment—to be in God’s Word every single day, that moment will get swallowed up by the chaos around us.
So here’s point number one: Have a plan each day.
I’ve talked to so many youth pastors who love Jesus dearly but feel spiritually dry, scattered, or inconsistent. And when we peel back the layers, most of the time there’s simply no daily plan. Not because they don’t care. Not because they’re lazy. But because they’re getting jumped by the day instead of stepping into the day with direction.
For me, planning my daily time with the Lord is as non-negotiable as brushing my teeth. I know that sounds simple, but it’s been a game changer. I look at my day and decide when I’m meeting with Him—before the kids wake up, before emails, before the “urgent” squeezes out the “important.” And once that time is set, I protect it like it’s oxygen. Because honestly, it is.
But having a planned time isn’t enough. You also need a planned approach.
A lot of youth pastors ask me, “Steve, what do you actually do during your quiet time?” And my answer always starts here: Have a plan for what you’re reading. Not a random verse of the day. Not flipping to the same encouraging passages over and over. Not just camping out in the New Testament because it feels easier. No—have a plan that gets you into the whole counsel of God.
Every year—yes, every single year—I read through the entire Bible. I’m not saying that to give myself a gold star. I’m saying it because it’s changed me. It’s anchored me. It’s strengthened me in ways I didn’t even know I needed. I switch between the Chronological Bible reading plan and the One Year Bible reading plan. Both are fantastic. Both keep me rooted in Scripture beyond just the parts I naturally gravitate toward.
A reading plan gives you structure. It keeps you moving. It helps you see the story of God unfold—not just a verse here or there, but the full narrative of His faithfulness from Genesis to Revelation. And when you build your devotional life around the full story of Scripture, your soul starts receiving the nutrients it’s been craving.
And let me be clear about something that trips up a lot of youth pastors: your devotional time is not your sermon prep time.
You need both.
They aren’t the same.
Sermon prep is ministry work. Your devotional time is ministry life. One feeds others. The other feeds you. Don’t confuse the two or you’ll dry up faster than you think. Your daily devotional time is simply your planned connection with God. Not for content. Not for students. Not for Sunday. For you and Him.
So here’s my encouragement: if you want to grow in your own walk, if you want to be spiritually steady, if you want to lead students from a place of overflow rather than exhaustion—make a plan. A plan for your day, and a plan for the Word.
Because you can’t be spiritually healthy accidentally.
You’re too called for that.
Your students need more than a spiritually malnourished leader.
And God is ready to meet you—every day—if you’ll plan to meet with Him.
Let’s be youth pastors who don’t just talk about devotion…
Let’s plan for it.
And then live it.
If you’re a youth pastor who’s struggling to build consistency in your devotional life—or you just need someone in your corner cheering you on—I’d love to walk with you. Through Fresh Calling, I help youth pastors develop rhythms, clarity, and confidence in their daily walk with Jesus and their ministry leadership.
You don’t have to figure this out alone.
If you want to talk, process, or take the next step, reach out through FreshCalling.org/coaching. I’d be honored to connect.
Finding Your Sabbath after the Summer
Summer in youth ministry is a bit like running a marathon… but with water balloons, campfires, way too many late nights, and the occasional injury involving a dodgeball or late night antics. You’ve survived camp, mission trips, VBS, and possibly that one kid who thinks sunscreen is optional. You’ve prayed, preached, and powered through. And now, as the calendar flips and school buses start rolling again, something magical happens… life slows down—at least a little.
Here’s the thing: most youth pastors are really bad at slowing down. We think because the pace of ministry is naturally calmer in the fall, we’re “resting.” But let’s be honest—we’re just filling our calendars with new projects, meetings, and “catch-up” work we ignored during the summer chaos. If we’re not careful, we’ll move straight from summer sprint into fall hustle with no breathing room in between.
But God didn’t design you to run on fumes. He gave you Sabbath. Not as a “suggestion” or a “when I have time” spiritual luxury, but as a life-giving rhythm that keeps your soul healthy and your calling sustainable. If you want to last in ministry for the long haul, learning to work hard and rest well isn’t optional—it’s essential.
Now is the perfect time to find your Sabbath. To hit the brakes intentionally. To step back from the noise so you can hear the whisper of God again.
Sit with the Lord in Silence and Solitude
You’ve been pouring out all summer. Students have been in your face (and sometimes in your personal space) for weeks. Now it’s time to pour in. Take your Bible, a journal, and nothing else. Find a quiet place—no phone, no email, no “just five minutes to knock this out.” Just you and the Lord. Read slowly. Pray honestly. Sit in the silence until it stops feeling awkward and starts feeling holy.
Reconnect with Your Spouse
If you’re married, chances are your spouse has been carrying more than their share this summer—holding the fort while you were gone, picking up extra responsibilities, and maybe even listening to your “one more camp story” when they were ready for bed. Take them out for coffee. Go for a long walk. Ask them how they’re doing. Pray together. Laugh together. Remind yourselves that before ministry, there was marriage—and your marriage is part of your ministry.
Reconnect with Your Kids
If you have kids, they need you present—not just physically, but emotionally. They need more than “Hey, buddy” on your way out the door. They need tickle fights, bedtime stories, ice cream runs, and time where you’re not scrolling through sermon notes while they’re talking about their day. You’ve been leading everyone else’s teenagers all summer. Now’s the time to lead your own.
Reconnect with Yourself
Sometimes, ministry burns us out because we lose touch with who we are apart from it. What makes you laugh? What fills your tank? Maybe it’s fishing. Maybe it’s cooking. Maybe it’s mowing the lawn with noise-canceling headphones (no shame). Whatever it is—do it. Give yourself permission to be a human being, not just a human doing.
The Hard Truth about Burnout
Burnout doesn’t happen because of one exhausting week—it happens when we live without rest for months or years at a time. Summer ministry is supposed to be intense. That’s fine. But if every season is intense, you’re not being “faithful”—you’re being reckless with your soul. Sabbath is God’s idea because He knows we can’t keep giving without receiving.
So here’s the challenge: before you start loading up the fall calendar with events, camps, and retreats, schedule your Sabbath. Literally put it on the calendar in ink, not pencil. Block out your mornings with the Lord. Plan your days off with your family. Create space for your own heart to breathe.
You just poured yourself out for three straight months. Now it’s time to refill. Your ministry will be stronger. Your marriage will be healthier. Your soul will be at peace. And when the next season of hard work comes—and it will—you’ll be ready.
So, youth pastor, take a deep breath. Slow your pace. Find your Sabbath.
Because your calling isn’t a sprint—it’s a lifelong run. And even marathoners have to stop for water.
Let’s Walk This Out Together
If reading this made you realize how much you’ve been running on empty, you’re not alone. I work with youth pastors all the time who are passionate about ministry but struggling to find their rhythm of rest. That’s why I offer 1:1 coaching—to help leaders like you create a sustainable pace, rekindle your joy, and lead from a place of overflow instead of exhaustion.
If you’re ready to take the next step toward a healthier, more balanced ministry life, let’s connect. You can send me a message and we’ll set up a time to talk about where you are, where you want to be, and how to get there—without burning out in the process.
Leading with a Clear Conscience
Leading with a Clear Conscience: Recognizing the Enemy’s Influence in Ministry
As youth pastors, we know there’s more going on than meets the eye. Our ministries aren’t just about planning events or leading small groups—they’re about fighting for the hearts of students in a world filled with darkness. And if we’re honest, sometimes the evil one has more influence over us than we’d like to admit. But with a few intentional steps, we can guard ourselves, stay alert, and lead with a clear conscience. There have been several books I’ve read through the years that have shaped what I think about how I lead with a clear conscience and I’d like to pull some ideas together here to help all of us to deal with the enemy’s influence.
First, we have to recognize the battle we’re in. The Christian in Complete Armor by William Gurnall paints a vivid picture of the spiritual fight we’re facing. It’s easy to think that spiritual warfare only happens in “big” moments, but the truth is, it’s in the everyday moments too—the frustration, the discouragement, the doubts that creep in. Each day, it’s helpful to take inventory by asking ourselves where we felt pushed off course. Was it a moment of anger? A lack of patience? This simple reflection can reveal where the enemy may be influencing our thoughts or emotions. Prayer for discernment is also essential here; we can ask God to open our eyes to areas where we’re under attack. And we don’t have to face these struggles alone. Sharing what we’re going through with trusted accountability partners can make all the difference. Darkness thrives in secrecy, and bringing it to light diminishes its power.
Guarding our hearts and minds is also crucial. In Reclaiming Surrendered Ground, (which I’m re-reading right now!) Jim Logan talks about the danger of allowing negative influences into our lives, sometimes in ways that seem innocent or even “necessary” in ministry. Maybe it’s watching a certain show or hanging out with someone we know isn’t spiritually encouraging. Whatever it is, these influences build up over time and give the enemy ground in our lives. To start, think of one area where you’ve compromised. It might be letting bitterness or comparison grow or spending a little too much time scrolling on social media. Name it. Then set a boundary. Limit social media time or try starting your day with Scripture instead of emails. Each boundary pushes the enemy out of that surrendered ground. Setting aside time once a month for a “spiritual check-in” also helps. Take stock of where you’ve given up ground and ask if there’s anything you need to reclaim to stay focused on Jesus.
Living free in Christ’s authority is another game-changer. Neil Anderson’s Living Free in Christ teaches that we’re not meant to lead in fear or insecurity. But so often, we let lies dictate our actions, fearing we’re “not enough” or bound to mess up. This authority in Christ isn’t just a theological point—it’s a daily practice. We’re called to live free in His power, not shackled by doubt. Speak truth to yourself daily. Find one scripture that reminds you of your authority in Christ—2 Corinthians 10:4-5 is a great one. Repeat it every morning and whenever doubt or fear tries to creep in. If there’s a specific lie the enemy uses against you, write it down, confront it with truth, and renounce it in Jesus’ name. For example, if the lie is “I’m not qualified for this,” counter it with “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13). Rather than pretending to be strong, invite Jesus into your weaknesses. When you feel fear, pause, ask Jesus to fill that space, and step forward with courage.
Leading with integrity is a powerful way to keep a clear conscience. The people we lead can sense if we’re living authentically or just going through the motions. Integrity isn’t about perfection; it’s about a commitment to keep short accounts with God and others. Make it a habit to confess and turn from sin daily. Whether it’s pride, laziness, or anger, don’t let it linger—bring it to God. Humbling ourselves to ask for feedback from trusted friends or leaders also builds integrity. Asking, “How can I lead with more integrity?” might sting, but their insights will sharpen us. And whenever we make a mistake, especially with students, owning it immediately shows humility. Apologizing if we snap or act out of character is humbling, but it models authentic faith and gives students permission to do the same.
Being a youth pastor is tough work. The world feels heavier, students face bigger battles, and the pressure to “do it all” can be intense. But God has equipped you for this, and He’s given you His strength and authority. The more you’re aware of the enemy’s tactics, the more you can guard your heart and lead with freedom and integrity.
Praying through the armor of God in Ephesians 6 each morning helps, too. Imagine yourself putting on each piece of God’s armor, starting with the belt of truth and ending with the sword of the Spirit. As you do, ask God to protect you and give you strength for the day’s battles. And don’t forget the power of accountability; find someone you trust to check in with weekly. Share your struggles, your victories, and anything that might have pulled you off course.
Leading with a clear conscience isn’t about having all the answers; it’s about leaning on the One who does. The enemy wants to wear you down, but with Christ’s strength, you can stand firm. Remember, this isn’t just for you—it’s for every student who’s looking up to you. When you guard your heart and live authentically, you give them a glimpse of Jesus’ power and love. Lead with courage; you’re not alone in the fight.
Comment below your thoughts about how the enemy gains influence in the life of a youth pastor. I would love to help you process where the evil one has influence in your life. Schedule a 1on1 coaching session and let’s begin the road to freedom.
Sheep Herding in Student Ministry
Shepherding students in ministry often feels a lot like herding sheep. There are days when they scatter in different directions, lost and confused, while other days they gather closely, needing care, guidance, and reassurance. The Bible often compares believers to sheep (John 10:11, Psalm 23), highlighting the relationship between a shepherd and their flock. For youth pastors, this role calls us to a life of compassion, patience, and devotion.
Embrace the Heart of the Shepherd
Jesus refers to Himself as the Good Shepherd in John 10:11: “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.” This is a powerful example of sacrificial love and leadership. Youth pastors have the opportunity to adopt the same compassion and selflessness Jesus modeled.
Sarah, a new student in our ministry had a hard time fitting in. Every event, she’d sit in the back, hoping not to be noticed. Over time, I made it a priority to connect with her one-on-one getting to know her story. Slowly, she began to open up. She needed that individual attention, much like a shepherd tending to a wounded lamb. Eventually, she became one of the most engaged members of our group. Sarah taught me that being a shepherd means noticing the ones on the fringes and being willing to pour into them.
Being a shepherd means embracing those one-on-one moments (appropriately). Jesus didn’t just minister to the crowds; He called individuals by name, knowing each of them personally.
Who in your ministry might be a “lost sheep”? You probably already know their name. How can you take steps to connect with them this week?
Lead, Don’t Drive
Sheep are unique animals—they don’t respond well to being driven. They need a shepherd who guides gently, calling them to follow rather than forcing them along. Ezekiel 34:11-12 captures God’s promise to seek out and care for His scattered sheep. Our students, like sheep, respond to leaders who walk alongside them, setting a course by example and invitation.
One year, we had a challenging group of sophomores guys who were constantly testing boundaries. My instinct was to establish stricter rules, thinking it would solve the issues. Sometimes my heart was cold toward them and didn’t want to give them the time of day. But then, I decided to try a different approach. Instead of “driving” them, I engaged them in discussions about what they wanted the group to look like. Through this process, they felt ownership, and many became leaders themselves, setting an example for others. It was amazing the transformation that happened when I gave away some leadership and gave them ownership.
Leading with compassion involves patience. When we model the behavior we want to see, students follow out of respect and connection. They feel like part of the community, not just followers.
Are there any ways you might be “driving” students instead of leading them? How can you create a culture of following by example?
Protect the Flock
A good shepherd not only guides but also protects. In 1 Peter 5:2-3, Peter urges leaders to “be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care.” This is part of the “mantel of leadership” God gives to His shepherds to spiritually (and physically) protect the flock. Sometimes, protecting students means stepping into tough conversations or setting boundaries, even when it’s uncomfortable. It means fervent prayer on a regular basis and a belief God is fighting the battle with us.
A while back, I noticed a group of students were excluding themselves from events. (Students tend to vote with their feet.) They would walk the halls instead of coming in the big room with the rest of the students. They were very dismissive with me whenever I would confront them. Instead of addressing it in a broad message, I took time to speak individually with those involved, I told them I was going to be patient with them and the door was always open. Though they resisted at first, eventually they understood. I’d like to say they came around and jumped back in, but not yet. (Yes, I have talked with their parents.) I believe this group will engage at some point but for now I’m praying fervently for them to return just waiting for the Lord to open the door even wider for them to engage. I know there is evil in this situation and my approach has been to loving communicate my expectations and hopes, pray like crazy for them and be patient. The rest of the group knows what’s going on as they are watching to see how I approach it. These tough situations sometimes mean protecting not just individuals but the overall health of the ministry.
It’s our responsibility as shepherds to guard our flock from spiritual harm, whether it’s unhealthy dynamics within the group or outside influences. Protecting our students isn’t always easy, but it’s essential to creating a safe space where they can grow in Christ.
What situations or influences might you need to protect your students from? How can you approach these conversations with wisdom and grace?
Seek the Lost
In Luke 15:4, Jesus talks about leaving the ninety-nine sheep to go after the one that is lost. This is the heart of student ministry: seeking out those who have wandered and helping them find their way back.
One of our students stopped attending after facing some tough issues at home. (Which is very common these days in student ministry.) He thought he didn’t belong and began withdrawing from everyone. After several weeks, I reached out, letting him know he was missed and offering a listening ear. A few more conversations led to his return, and he eventually shared his testimony, impacting others deeply. Sometimes, reaching out to those who are lost brings them back to a place where they can share and heal.
Youth pastors are called to pursue the students who have wandered off. This pursuit may be time-consuming and even met with resistance, but it can lead to deep transformations.
Is there a student you know who has drifted away? How might you reach out to them this week, showing them they’re still part of the “flock”?
Trust the Ultimate Shepherd
Finally, as youth pastors, we must remember that Jesus is the ultimate Shepherd, and we are simply stewards of His flock. Psalm 23:1 reminds us, “The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.” Trusting in His guidance allows us to release control and recognize that He cares for these students even more than we do.
In my early days of ministry, I often felt the weight of responsibility. I was a young, pride-filled youth pastor who believe it was “all me.” But as I began to pray more fervently for my students, I realized I wasn’t meant to carry it alone. It took a water-shed conversation with the Lord at a Youth Ministry conference in 1996 to shake my pride enough for me to listen. That was a hard moment for me, but it changed my perspective on ministry and I have never forgotten it. God knows my students better than I do. There was a peace in knowing that God was already at work in their lives, often in ways I couldn’t see. I learned to trust Him to shepherd them through seasons when my influence was limited. This is a liberating and freeing moment for every youth pastor to experience.
We’re called to be faithful shepherds, but ultimately, our students are in God’s hands. Our role is to guide them to Jesus, their true Shepherd.
What burdens are you carrying in ministry that you need to surrender to God? How can you rely more on His guidance as you shepherd your students?
A Call to Shepherd with Compassion
Sheep herding in student ministry requires patience, love, and sometimes difficult conversations. It means leaving the ninety-nine to find the one, guarding the flock from harm, and leading by example. As youth pastors, we have the incredible privilege of walking alongside our students, guiding them toward the ultimate Shepherd. Let us shepherd with the heart of Jesus, offering grace, guidance, and love every step of the way.
Would love to hear your thoughts on how you Shepherd your students. Comment below.
First Love. Part 1.
“What is love? Baby don’t hurt me, don’t hurt me no more…” These lyrics from “Haddaway” (yes, that’s a little 80s trivia for ya!) are so catchy and for most of us we can sing it at any given moment. But as you read this lyrics we feel as though this is how love ought to be.. no hurt. Everything is rosey and seems like every moment is written out of a fairy tale. Love doesn’t look like a fairytale! Really!? So, the the girls in the room have this “fairy tale” love story going through our minds and have become hopeless romantics. Love doesn’t look like this in reality. Our world has twisted and skewed the definition of love. Made it romantic and perverted. The perfect definition of love can only be found in the arms of our Father in heaven.
You would think that we will be talking about romantic love in this series… but we’re NOT! We will be talking through what it really means to love others as Christ would love them. When in conflict or “life-changing” events arise, we need to make a choice to love FIRST. When “break ups” happen, and we want to throw the boy out the window! First love… not romantically, but in an agape God love kind of way. When we hear the news of parents getting a divorce… first love! When we get cut off in traffic by an impatient little punk!! First love.
How do you respond to others in your life? Are your words filled with so much sarcasm that your friends can’t tell if your serious or not? Is your heart filled to the top with selfishness that if a stranger came into your life, you wouldn’t give them the time of day!?
First Love. God’s love was at the very beginning. The creation of the world was a motivation of His love toward us. It was His love for us he made a way to deal with the penalty of our sin. It was His love that put Jesus on the cross. It was His love for us that defines who I am and why I was created.
But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8 (NIV)
He first loved. Love is found in Him. He is the beginning of it. His heart is where love begins. Not in the heart of man, nor in the heart of another. Love begins with Him. He first loved.
This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. 1 John 4:9-10 NIV
So convicting! This truth is taking root in my soul and creating a collision of faith!
Collision at the prayer wall.
In our student center we have a prayer wall. Most youth groups have a space where students can freely express their prayer concerns to the rest of the group anonymously. Thursday morning I was passing through and stopped to read some of the requests from Wednesday night. There was one request that captured my attention. “God help me to stay on the path. I don’t like being separated from you.” We’ve been talking over the past few weeks about how our sin separates and the cross bridges the gap our sin has created. My hope as a youth pastor is students would know and believe Jesus is the one true hope! This request broke my heart.
This is a collision of faith for me. I believe this prayer card speaks to my passion and calling as a youth pastor. I genuinely desire for students to find all they need in Christ and my calling is to lead them through the pages of scripture to discover His great love for them. Moments when I cry with a student over the mistakes of the past and leading them to a deep understanding of His grace cause me to dig deeper. Moments like this one at the prayer wall. When I weep over the simple request of this student to experience what a “right” relationship with God is.
There is no greater calling on the planet than to lead others to the Cross. What has been your experience? Have you had moments like mine? Collisions with the reality of the sin in this world and the beautiful grace of the Cross. He is in the business of making all things new. Renewing your heart and mine. Driving us to our knees in humility and burning a passion deep within us for teenagers. This calling is worth all the tears. It’s worth all the sleepless nights and hard conversations. To be used to make an impact in the lives of teenagers. There is no great calling.
I love student ministry.
Separation Anxiety. Desperate to be Reunited. (Part 4)
In the middle of your separation, did you ever have thoughts like this dog? I didn’t think you were ever coming back? I think we see this scenario play out all the time in the hearts of all of us. Our mistakes and bad habits have separated us from God and we have fallen in the belief He will never come back. WRONG! This is not the character of our God.
I was talking with a great friend the other day who is going through a really tough time! He shared a truth with me that has stuck with me. I can’t shake it. I asked him, “How’s it going?” He responded, “I’m doing ok. I’ve learned two things through all this. He is good. He is present.”
Wow!! How true. No matter where or what I’m going through in life, my God is good and present. Separation anxiety can cause a lot of doubt to rise up within our hearts. Many times, we lose focus and begin to believe we are not worth redemption. God stands ready to make Himself known to us. Eliminating all doubt and confusion. He is constant. Never changing. I don’t know about you, but this truth is settling my anxious heart and I can’t shake it. Even as I type it, my heart instantly settles down with a peace.
My friend is really going through a storm in his life right now and the truth he is learning and shared with me is making an impact. Maybe, if you are finding yourself in the mist of separation, this truth will impact you too.
Separation Anxiety. Desperate to be reunited. (Part 3)
The level of anxiousness we have in our relationship with God directly determines how desperate we are!
The shear amount of resources and training Search and Rescue Teams use is inspiring. These guys spend hours training and tons of resources to be ready when called on. When something important is missing, we’ll spend a ton of time, effort and resources to insure their return. And rightfully so! We should do everything in our power to reunite those who are lost. When searching, they are relentless. They will use every available resource to insure the lost are found. They can get pretty anxious in the search… and it motivates them to keep going.
In your relationship with God, how anxious are you to be with God? Is the separation of your sin bothering you? Making you anxious? I believe this anxiety we feel in our relationship with God is healthy. It’s the motivator we need to find the one thing that can satisfy this longing deep within.
Separation Anxiety. Desperate to be Reunited. (Part 1)
The distance between… I’d like to describe it as “anxiety.” Its the feeling of being separated from the one’s we love. When I was in high school, my father who was serving in the Air Force was called up to go to Kuwait… 6 weeks before the war became public. All I remember was a kiss on the forehead in the early morning hours. When I woke up, my mom told my brother and I he “had to leave.” For the next 6 weeks we didn’t know where he was. Just vanished. When all the news began to break about Desert Storm, we got a fuzzy phone call from my dad telling us where he was, and that he was not in harms way.
During these anxious 6 weeks of separation, my heart was filled with a constant tension. I wanted to know where he was, if he was hurting, I just wanted to be in his presence again. I knew in these moments what it feels like to be genuinely separated from the one you love.
Husband, Dad, Youth Pastor, Writer
Fresh Calling: Ministry Coaching and Consulting 
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