Recently, I saw videos of some young people who grew up attending our Church along with our Youth Group on Wednesday night. Neither of them was overly talkative at any function, nor were they serving on a regular basis.

These people might have slipped out of my life into the unknown had it not been for the fact that their parents still attend the Church I lead. As a result, I still have some contact with them.

In the videos, I witnessed the story of one of them going on a mission trip and another placing his faith in Jesus Christ in baptism. My heart was filled with joy as I listened to the stories of a couple of young people pursuing God’s will for their lives in the years after they left our Church community.

This whole experience reminded me that we have no idea what happens with the seed of the gospel that we plant in people’s lives. Sometimes, it takes off and grows in ways that we can see almost immediately. Other times, it takes years before that tiny seed finally germinates and begins to grow.

As a Christian, Church leader, ministry team member, or whatever capacity you serve Jesus, know that you will never know on this side of heaven the good you will do for the sake of the kingdom of God. Keep planting. Keep watering. Only God knows what will happen through your efforts.