Future Fruit...A Big Reason to Keep Going

Do you ever feel like you are not making an impact?

Do you ever wonder if the kids are listening to anything you are trying to teach them?

Do you ever get discouraged because it seems the ministry is not growing in spite of all the hard work you are putting into it?

Do you ever feel like quitting because you feel inadequate for the seemingly impossible task you are working toward?

Do you ever wonder if there will be any fruit from all the time, resources, and energy you have invested?

If you are like me and that's how you feel at times, then I have good news for you. You will see fruit in the future. By future, I mean years...even decades from now.

"So, my dear brothers and sisters, be strong and immovable. Always work enthusiastically for the Lord, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless."  I Corinthians 15:58

Future fruit is a big reason to keep going.  You see...everything you are doing now will blossom into fruit in the future. 

Children's ministry leaders must walk by faith rather than by sight.  

Do you believe God's promise regarding this? 

Do you believe that fruit will come from the investment you are making now? 

If you do, then it's a big reason to not quit.

Future fruit comes from current faith.  

When you realize this, it's a big reason to keep going. God is at work in the lives of the children and families you are ministering to.  You will see some fruit now, but the majority of the fruit from your ministry will not be seen until sometime in the future. 

The truth is you will not see the full extent of your ministry until years from now. Some of it you won't realize until you get to heaven.  If you don't quit, then you will hear these words found in Matthew 25.

"Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful in a little; I will appoint you over much. Go in, into your master’s joy."

Keep going! Don't quit! Stay steadfast! Your fruit is coming!

That baby that you are rocking in the nursery will one day be used to bring thousands into the kingdom!

That toddler that you trying to help understand who Jesus is will one day introduce many to Jesus. 

That little boy that is always disrupting the class by talking out of turn will one day talk to people about Jesus' love and forgiveness.

That 2nd grade boy who seems to have boundless energy (during class), will one day go to share the Gospel with people all around the world as a missionary. 

That pre-teen girl who you can never seem to get to participate will one day be a passionate college student who boldly shares her faith.

That boy that never gets involved in worship...just stands there with a blank look on his face during the worship songs, will one day be a worship leader.  

When you are working and serving at 110% but seem to just be hitting a wall....don't quit!

When you are physically exhausted from VBS and Camp and Retreats and All Night Lock-ins, don't quit.

When you have to stop in the middle of class and correct a group of boys who are causing a disturbance, don't quit.

When a parent gets upset and blames you for their child's actions, don't quit.

When a volunteer that you have poured your life into, stops serving and walks away from you, don't quit.

Don't quit!  Don't quit!  Don't quit! 

The fruit is coming!  Believe God's promise!  You will see fruit now and later if you don't quit!

If you haven't seen this video, I'd like to share it with you.  It is very

personal to me, but I want to share it to encourage you today.

Future fruit!  It's a big reason to keep going.