Wednesday, March 7, 2012


I’ll Work Til Jesus Comes
By: Daniel Youngblood 




Wednesday, April 27th 2011   is a day that will go down in History.  A record number of deadly tornadoes devastated the south.  I’m so thankful that my home was spared, but just a few miles away, there was total devastation. Hundreds of people lost their homes and businesses, and many lost their lives. I will never forget that day. 
Sunday, May 1st, a few days later, is another day I’ll never forget.  It marks the day that my church came together like never before.  Everyone was so motivated and willing to pitch in and help, from the oldest members to the youngest.  We worked together and were united by a common goal, to help the tornado victims.     That morning my preacher had asked for volunteers to help sort donations sent from other churches.  That night almost everyone stayed. The fellowship hall was transformed into a distribution center, where older members sorted cans and boxes of food. Men unloaded cases of bottled water. Ladies boxed up diapers and baby supplies. And children sorted and labeled clothing. Even the little ones helped by dropping cards with the plan of salvation in the boxes. Everyone was needed, and I was a part of this team effort!  It was the first time “working til Jesus comes” became real to me.  I even caught myself humming the hymn to myself as I helped my dad rebuild a chicken coop for an elderly couple.
I could never list all that our church family did that week for our community and are still doing, but I can tell you how it felt, it was exciting, exhausting, and at times frustrating…but most of all it was fulfilling, to know that I was working with fellow Christians, like the Bible teaches us to do in Galatians 6:9-10.  “And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.  Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith.” 
Here it is, almost a year later; and this is what I see in my town: Some new houses right next to abandoned ones that have  a big X spray painted on the front.  (I always feel relieved when the number at the bottom says ZERO.)  I see new bike lanes along the streets and brown trees that were stripped of life in fields,  where  neighborhoods  once stood. I realize there is still a lot of work to do.   
There is a lot of work left with tornado relief and there is a lot of work to do for the Lord. First Corinthians 15:58 says to “be steadfast, immovable, always abounding the WORK of the Lord, knowing that your Labor is not in vain in the Lord.    It was easy those days right after the storms, when there was so much excitement.  But now, a year after the storm, how will I do it? Especially when I’m not with my church family, when I don’t feel a part of a team? I’ll just work til Jesus comes. When most of my classmates attend a party on Sunday night, I’ll work til Jesus comes. When my youth group delivers gifts to kids in the Hospital; I’ll work til Jesus comes. When I’m tired on the weekend and want to watch Sponge Bob; I’ll work til Jesus comes. When my soccer team plays a weekend tournament; I’ll work til Jesus comes. When my friends make the wrong choices; I’ll work til Jesus comes. That’s all I know to do, til Jesus comes.

About the Author: Daniel Youngblood is a 5th grade student at Faucett-Vestavia Elementary School in Northport, AL, and is a member of Cottondale Church of Christ. 










1 comment:

  1. Daniel,

    Your encouraging blog post made me smile today! Thanks for "letting your light shine" for our Lord's glory. I do believe we have a future preacher, deacon, and/or elder in you! Keep looking for those opportunities where you can serve Him and "he will direct your paths."

    Looking forward to seeing your and your family at ICYC,

    Mrs. Amanda

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