Our church had a men's retreat this past weekend. About twenty-five men took part in at least a portion of the retreat.About 40% of the participants were men thirty or under. It is exciting to see young men eager to serve God, and to move in the things of the Spirit of God. These young men want to experience the reality of the presence of the living God. They are not interested in a dead, cold religion.
The psalmist said in Psalm 71:18, Even when I am old and gray, do not forsake me, O God, till I declare your power to the next generation, your might to all who are to come. (NIV)
Our pastor recently preached about the children of Israel entering the promised land. Because of the unbelief of the older generation, God allowed an entire generation to die in the wilderness. Then, their children obeyed God, and they began to possess the promised land. Only Joshua and Caleb, men of faith, were allowed to enter the promised land from the older generation.
God will do great and mighty things with today's younger generation. They will believe God, and they will perform great exploits in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth.
I want to do my part to help prepare the younger generation to possess the promised land, that God has set before them. I want to encourage them in their faith. I want to fill them with the mentality, that all things are possible for them as they believe. I don't want to hold them back, but I want to help propel them forward in God.
Recently, I heard one older brother admit that he is somewhat envious of the manner, in which he knows that God is going to use the younger men. He knows that what they will accomplish in God will far surpass what he has seen.
However, my attitude is different. I am excited. First of all, I know that God is not yet finished with the older generation, if we dare to believe the Word of God. Secondly, I know that the younger men will be more effective, if they can look to older brothers in the Lord for counsel and encouragment in the days ahead. I plan to be there for them.
I will encourage them. I will pray for them. I will stand with them. I will gladly hold their coats. Then...thirty years from now..I will do the same for their sons.
Almost thirty years ago, I became the pastor of a rural Baptist church in Mississippi. One day I met with a much older Methodist pastor, whose church was located in the county seat. I was so zealous and excited about serving God. We prayed together, and he prayed an interesting prayer for me. He prayed, "Lord, help this young man to never learn that he can't change the world, because if he never learns he can't change the world, he just might change it."
I may not have experienced great success in changing the world, but I am convinced that this "Next Generation" will radically impact this planet with the gospel of Jesus Christ and the power of the living God. They will refuse to be denied. They will be "world changers."
These are marvelous days in the kingdom of God. There is plenty of work for all. Are you ready to take your place in God? Don't get left behind. Let's go possess the land!!
Wayne L. Williams
Atlanta, Georgia
October 10, 2005
wayne@fotwm.org