We’re told in Romans 12 to “Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.”
If we were to follow only this instruction, we would have more faith-sharing opportunities than we would know what to do with.
A pastor friend of mine has long said, “With regard to sharing the gospel, life is on our side.” The natural ebb and flow of life events cause people to turn inwardly, or upwardly, in search of support and meaning. If we are listening and even halfway engaged, we can be a catalyst for that support.
Consider for a minute the possible life events and milestones a teen might face while under the purview of your youth ministry, opportunities for a youth leader to rejoice or mourn.
Starting middle school
Starting high school
Getting the driver’s license
Failing the driver’s license test
Registering to vote
Losing a pet
Moving to a new school district
Getting cut from a team or band or production
Making a team or band or production
Starting the first job
Getting fired from a job
Going on a first date
Graduating from high school
Every one of these presents an opportunity to experience comfort, encouragement, and inspiration from God’s Spirit and God’s Word. Just this list alone provides over a dozen situations to explore Scripture for similar circumstances along with finding instructions, promises, etc., related to similar circumstances.
Here’s a nice exercise: Take a minute to connect a biblical precedent or situation with any/all of the situations listed above. Be prepared for how you might share wisdom from God’s Word when one of your students experiences any of these situations. Life will present opportunities. Be prepared to rejoice and mourn.
For an example, check out InWord’s teen devo HERE on the subject of moving to a new school district. For a PDF version of the devo, click HERE.