March 16

Celebrate When Discipleship Is Difficult

“ . . . ‘But we had to celebrate and be glad, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found’” (Luke 15:32).

Scripture: Luke 15:25-32

Song: “The Day of Resurrection!”

Adam sat discouraged in his room while he and his youth group attended church camp at a university. Natalie, who was a new member of his group, had just argued with a girl from another church. Another girl told Adam that Natalie had cussed at her and threated her, and it was only day two of five. Adam thought to himself, Natalie was making so much progress. During that busy week Adam sacrificed his limited free-time to help Natalie orient herself to the basics of faith.

Even though Natalie had recently come to faith in Christ, she had ingrained habits from her life before Christ. She was once lost and had received new life in Christ—and it was growing in her, though slowly.

Discipling others requires patience, wisdom, and consistent celebrating because of the difficulties we encounter as we help others learn what it means to be alive. The elder brother realized the sacrifices he would have to make to reorient his prodigal brother back into the household. He didn’t celebrate.

Adam sacrificed his time at camp to help Natalie because he continued celebrating her steps with Christ. Let us not only celebrate when people first come to Christ, but also during the difficult times of discipleship.

Father, please help me celebrate those who are new in Christ as I use my time and effort to help them embrace their new life. In Jesus’ name, amen.