Resting in What Jesus Has Done

Most of us are busy. Too busy for our own good, and we know it. We as youth leaders are trying to balance faithfulness to our families and ministry. We also have other commitments to fulfill: our studies, our non-youth ministry-related projects, and our support of our fellow laborers. We all know what it means to have too much on our plates. 

One question recently convicted me during my time in the Word and prayer - have I rested in what Jesus accomplished? I strive to teach it and to lead students to the cross every week, especially around Easter. In the midst of the busyness of life, I have not stopped to rest in the truths I teach. For me, resting in what Jesus has done has meant being reminded that my value is not found in the attendance in the room or the care and counsel I can offer. Instead, my value is found in a Savior who has secured victory over sin and death so I may proclaim his name. 

Resting in what Jesus has done is both a posture and an identity. Our posture is our hands held in surrender to Christ and our identity is in Christ alone. Here are three important reminders that have helped me embrace this posture and discover my identity as a youth leader. 

We Do Not Have to Accomplish the Impossible, Jesus Already Did

As youth pastor theologians, we have a desire to personally disciple each student so they develop lifelong faith in Christ. We want to provide pastoral care for youth who are struggling so we can help them see God's faithfulness and love. These are good desires, but we should remember we do not have to be perfect pastors who have it all together all the time. We can take a deep breath and be reminded of this truth: Jesus accomplishes the impossible so we do not have to. Refresh your heart and soul by meditating on the words of life spoken by Jesus to his disciples that are still true for us today. 

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world, you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” - John 16:33, NIV

Jesus reminds us that we will deal with difficulties in this world.  Between the pandemic, political divides, denominational struggles, and all that we have walked through with our local church bodies, we understand what it means to lead through difficulties. In fact, many of these we cannot fix. For me, this is hard because I am a fixer. I want to solve the problems that my teenagers and church face but that is me, trying to accomplish the impossible. I need this reminder and I pray it helps you too. 

We Do Not Rescue People, Jesus Does

Another desire we have is to see students reached by the truth of the Gospel. In a world that seems to daily drift from the freedom found in Christ, our hearts can kick into overdrive to reach more students. We must remind ourselves again and again of this truth: we do not rescue people, only Jesus does. So if you are preaching the Gospel and leading students to be transformed by the truths of Scripture, you are being faithful. The Holy Spirit will draw students to himself. Let us meditate on the truth shared by Paul to the leaders at Corinth. 

“I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow. So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow. The one who plants and the one who waters have one purpose, and they will each be rewarded according to their own labor. For we are co-workers in God’s service; you are God’s field, God’s building.” - 1 Corinthians 3:6-9, NIV

Our purpose as youth leaders is not to be the rescuer of students but to introduce them to the one who is. In this, we proclaim to them the need for repentance and reconciliation with God through the death and resurrection of Christ. We do not save them. We care for them, disciple them, intercede for them and rest in knowing that Christ is revealing to them he is their rescue and hope. 

Take Time to Rejoice in What Jesus Has Done

In the busyness of the season and preparing to faithfully minister to students, we often forget to take this step of rejoicing in what Jesus has done. Paul enthusiastically shared this reality that should lead us to rejoice, 

“But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved from God’s wrath through him! For if, while we were God’s enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life!” - Romans 5:8-10, NIV

The truth is this, Jesus has paid the price for sin and won the victory over death, therefore all our hope is in him. Let this reality lead you to rejoicing, not only in the chance that we get to share it with others but in the reality that he died for you and me and rose again to give us the greatest hope of all. His fulfilled promises are our purposes. 

So maybe over the last weeks or months, you have found yourself struggling with pressures that are beyond your ability to control. Or maybe you are questioning whether ministry is for you anymore. Take heart, friend, because through Christ’s death and resurrection, the impossible has been accomplished. Whatever you are experiencing right now, you can find rest in what Jesus has done.