I survived another all-night session on New Year’s Eve with the youth group.  I got back home the next day and went to bed about 9:30 am and slept until 2:00 pm and then went to bed at about 10:00 pm.  Even though I have napped a little throughout the past week I am not sure that I have completely recovered yet.  I just don’t bounce back as quickly as I used to from staying up late and having my schedule disrupted.  All in all the night was a good night and there were some good, meaningful conversations that took place throughout the night.  Unlike prior years, only a few young people came forward for prayer at the time of invitation so that was a little disappointing.  But at times like that I am mindful of what Jesus said in Mark 4:26 – 29

26  And He was saying, “The kingdom of God is like a man who casts seed upon the soil; 27  and he goes to bed at night and gets up by day, and the seed sprouts and grows–how, he himself does not know. 28  “The soil produces crops by itself; first the blade, then the head, then the mature grain in the head. 29  “But when the crop permits, he immediately puts in the sickle, because the harvest has come.”  Mark 4:26-29

Though not many came forward for prayer, I am grateful for the few who did.  I pray that the Lord will minister to them in a very special way and draw them closer to Him in the upcoming days and weeks.  I am also mindful of the fact that His word was delivered to all who were present.  The seed was cast in a prayerful and loving manner and I know that the Lord is still using the words, the prayers and the events of that night to minister to some of those who were present but who did not come forward.  I know that things are going on which cannot be seen by the human eye.  Perhaps there is someone that you have spoken to and they received God’s word but did not act on it.  Try not to be discouraged or disappointed.  Continue to love them, pray for them and support them in a godly way.  The seed will sprout in God’s good time and the harvest will come.  In anticipation of that time I will remain watchful and prayerful.