Our Hero of Heroes Gives Hope! We Give Thanks!
Everyone needs hope in the hero of all heroes, Jesus our Savior. He tells us to share the Good News with others in word and deed and specifically to tell the young people. Jesus said, “Let the children come to Me.” Matt.19:14. Children have a simple faith to readily believe the truth of Jesus’ love. We have the most wonderful story of Jesus’ love as our Resurrected Redeemer and our Caring Companion.
Hallelujah! God is our Resurrected Redeemer in saving us from our sins. Luke 18:17b tells us we must receive the kingdom of God like a little child. Paul indicates what a “surpassing greatness there is in knowing Christ Jesus…” Phil.3:8b. In simple faith we can safely trust Him and quiet our soul as a weaned child with its mother. Psalms 131:2
Praise the LORD! God is our Caring Companion whatever the circumstances.
In 1991, I traveled with other missionaries through the falling ash of Mt. Pinatubo in the Philippines. It was the youngest, Joel Strong, a fifth grader, who confidently spoke God’s promise to us,
“Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.”
Hebrews 13:5.
In 1992, three of us missionary women along with a five-year-old child were held captive until the 10th day when we were released. God’s presence was evident from the start when He gave me choruses to sing. My life verse Philippians 3:10 came alive, “I want to know Christ and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in His sufferings, becoming like him in his death,” Jesus’ presence was so real when I was abused. He spoke to me in His still small voice the healing words He spoke on the cross that sets us free, “Forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” Luke 23:34.
Upon my reunion with my students, one 5th grader put his arm around me and looked into my eyes and asked if I ever heard the following: “When God lets His children go through the furnace, He always keeps His hand on the thermostat and His eye on the clock, His loving heart knows how much and how long.”
Yes, Jesus was there taking the sin of those men upon Himself freeing me to forgive them in His name. He enables me to live victoriously and to share His faithfulness so others can find freedom in Jesus.
God ordains our days. What may seem like a “set back” in our lives is actually God’s “set-up” to use all things for our good and for others’ lives, too. Nothing surprises Him. Rejoice! Jesus knows and cares.
Celebrate! God delights in hearing celebrations of true, confident faith even before miracles happen. Children need to hear our stories of His faithfulness to help increase their faith in God. We have a lively hope in Jesus! He promises to work out all things for our good. Tell your stories of God sightings in your life.
Consider building an altar with 12 stones of remembrance like the LORD told Joshua to do., “In the future, when your children ask you, ‘What do these stones mean?’ tell them…” Joshua 4:6b-7a
Children love to hear our stories of how Jesus has revealed Himself and continues to reveal Himself to us. Let’s all choose a grateful heart knowing JESUS our HERO and HOPE!
“Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances,
for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”II Thessalonians 5:16-18
Testimony written by Carol Smith, CEFP Prayer & Area GNC Coordinator
