The night before one of my games, I remember praying and feeling guilty for asking God to allow my team to win. So instead, I asked God to help everyone play the best that they deserved. Immediately, I felt peace. I came to realize, originally I wanted God to invoke his power for me at the cost of another while I really desired integrity, honesty and self-sacrifice.
Sometimes we expect our ministry to attract hundreds of people and make every young person desire God above their own lives … and when we don’t see this happening, we feel the game is lost.
However, when you are focused on making the proper preparations, carrying out the work, and asking God to help you play your best, win or lose, peace will come and your ministry will thrive. Integrity of action, sacrifice and, most importantly, faith and trust in God will always gain for us the deepest desire of our human heart.
“But you, be self-possessed in all circumstances; put up with hardship; perform the work of an evangelist; fulfill your ministry. For I am already being poured out like a libation, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have competed well; I have finished the race; I have kept the faith.” (2 Timothy 4:5-7)
Makana Aiona is the diocesan coordinator for Young Adult Ministry.
