The source of our security
So how do you deal with rising gas prices, the growing threat of terrorism, wars and rumors of wars and disasters large and small? Do we worry and fret, or do we place our trust in a sovereign God who sees and knows everything and promises that all things work together for good?
For those of us with the opportunity to influence children – whether as parents or as children’s and youth workers – the young ones in our charge, as they become aware of the world’s problems, will take their cues from us as to how to respond. Do they see an adult who exhibits confidence in a God who cares and meets needs? Or do they see a grownup that is frustrated and fearful?
Certainly we can be discouraged, especially when we are paying more than four dollars for a gallon of gas and when the media reports threats of annihilation and retribution from heads of state and unfortunate folks are left to pick up the pieces after another disaster somewhere in the world – or even right next door.
For us as Christians, we have a hope that surpasses circumstances and takes a long view – to a time when oil and gasoline won’t matter, when all wars are history and we have only to look forward to the rest of eternity spent with a God who is all-sufficient.
This is precisely the view that Joseph of the Old Testament took when, as a young man of 17, circumstances tore apart his world and way of life. This is precisely the view that Awana would love to instill in a generation of young people.
How are you doing at embodying this view and passing it on to our kids?