Hi Parents!
"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." John 16:33 (NIV)
Imagine surfing the big wave - or being in the wave pool at an overcrowded water park, waiting anxiously for the waves to push you along. Now imagine how fun these activities would be without waves. An overcrowded wave pool without waves is just an overcrowded pool. Surfing would be impossible without waves. Riding the waves provides adventure!
In life, however, we don't like to experience rough, choppy waters, tossing and turning us until we gasp for breath. We plead with God to take away the rough times and to make our lives perfectly smooth. But that is like asking to surf in still waters. Life doesn't come without waves. Yet in rough times, God is with us and teaches us to ride out the waves so that we can experience the fullness of life. He tells us to "Carry each other's burdens and so you will fulfill the law of Christ." Galatians 6:2 (CEB)
Ask your child...
Look back on the rough waters in your past. How were you able to ride out the waves? Where was God in these times? What have you learned that will help you to embrace new waves when they come?
Challenge your child...
Who might be in need of your support and encouragement? Read I Kings 19:11-13. Where do you hear God's still, small voice calling you? Have you become too distracted by the big things (the wind, the fire, the earthquake) to find God in the stillness and silence? Spend some time this week asking God to help you discern the right next step. And once you take it, ask God to show you the next and the next.
Prayer...
God, we know your timing is perfect. Help us to trust that you are working in our lives in ways we might never have imagined. Amen.
"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." John 16:33 (NIV)
Imagine surfing the big wave - or being in the wave pool at an overcrowded water park, waiting anxiously for the waves to push you along. Now imagine how fun these activities would be without waves. An overcrowded wave pool without waves is just an overcrowded pool. Surfing would be impossible without waves. Riding the waves provides adventure!
In life, however, we don't like to experience rough, choppy waters, tossing and turning us until we gasp for breath. We plead with God to take away the rough times and to make our lives perfectly smooth. But that is like asking to surf in still waters. Life doesn't come without waves. Yet in rough times, God is with us and teaches us to ride out the waves so that we can experience the fullness of life. He tells us to "Carry each other's burdens and so you will fulfill the law of Christ." Galatians 6:2 (CEB)
Ask your child...
Look back on the rough waters in your past. How were you able to ride out the waves? Where was God in these times? What have you learned that will help you to embrace new waves when they come?
Challenge your child...
Who might be in need of your support and encouragement? Read I Kings 19:11-13. Where do you hear God's still, small voice calling you? Have you become too distracted by the big things (the wind, the fire, the earthquake) to find God in the stillness and silence? Spend some time this week asking God to help you discern the right next step. And once you take it, ask God to show you the next and the next.
Prayer...
God, we know your timing is perfect. Help us to trust that you are working in our lives in ways we might never have imagined. Amen.
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