Seeing the Unseen

July 24, 2014

Recently Zak and Becky Alwin, who perform as Keynote artist Rhymz Suhreal, returned to a Christian program for troubled youth. The youth are sent there by the state, some unwillingly. Some know it’s their last chance before they face more serious consequences. Zak shares:

In the small 70-seat chapel, a young man of about 14 sat right in front of our sound system – his knees pushed up against the grill of a subwoofer. I approached him and said, “Wow man, you get the courage award for coming up to the front row in front of the speaker!”As he looked up at me, his eyes rolled and he slowly said, “Oh crap, I think I remember you.”

I thought, “Okay, so much for connecting on a positive level, and glad I left you with such a great memory!” We started our show.

As anyone who has worked with youth can tell you, they can be a tough audience. So we carried on, through both attentive and inattentive moments. We wanted them to have fun with the music, while also hearing the stories and messages we shared. Despite our efforts to gauge their response we didn’t know if the Spirit was reaching anyone. Were they feeling like my man from the front row who shared his feelings earlier?

We ended our time with an impromptu question and answer session. We are glad we did. Some of the students asked questions which revealed a deep hunger and longing for the peace of Jesus.

One question in particular was, “What is your inspiration in your darkest times?” We shared how Christ has met us in our most dark and difficult times; even recent ones in our walk with Him.

We drove home, not knowing what to expect as we read the comment cards. We were amazed at how many of the 35 students responded positively to wanting to follow Christ … 18 in fact! Praise the Lord!!!

Many asked for prayer for their families – longing for better relationships with their parents – freedom from drug addictions, to make better choices, and for advice on how to follow Jesus and much, much more.

It was a great lesson for Becky and me to remember that despite appearances, even if people are not excited to see you, the Spirit is at work.

So, as Paul wrote, “…we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away (and people say ‘oh, crap’ when they see you; still…), our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen (like when kids may or may not be listening) but to the things that are unseen (like what the Holy Spirit is working inside of them). For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal. (2 Corinthians 4:16-18 ESV – parentheticals are mine)

So friends, let us keep our eyes looking to and believing in that which is unseen! God is at work!


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