As a teacher, I’ve always loved my job and the role I have in teenager’s lives. But lately, I’ve found myself learning more from my students than I ever expected– especially when it comes to faith. In recent weeks, I’ve witnessed the following:
● A popular middle school boy, unashamed, blasting Brandon Lake worship music through his headphones so loudly I can hear it across the room.
● An intelligent middle school girl leaving hand-drawn Gospel messages around the school.
● Students from all over the county gathering early to pray over their school.
● A high school boy stopping his friends before dinner to pray over the meal
● A high school girl gathering her youth group for corporate prayer at church in front of everyone.
Y’all, these kids aren’t just going through the motions. They’re living out their faith boldly, right in the midst of what might be the toughest audience in the world– their peers.
This reminds me of a sermon I heard recently about Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. These were young men, possibly teenagers, standing firm in their faith against immense pressure.
In Daniel 3:17-18, they declared to King Nebuchadnezzar:
“If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to deliver us from it, and he will deliver us from Your Majesty’s hand. But even if he does not, we want you to know, Your Majesty, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up.”
These young men, like our students today, chose faith over fitting in. They stood out because they stood up for their beliefs. I think I need to learn some things from them. I think we all can. We can choose to stand up for Jesus when no one else will. We can choose to have boldness, not to talk like our co-workers or act like the people we are around, but to live for Jesus and follow his commands.
Additionally, every Sunday, I’m blessed to witness another beautiful sight. When it’s time for Children’s Church, our little ones practically race out of the sanctuary, bursting with excitement to learn about Jesus and be with their church friends.
It always brings to mind Matthew 19:13-14:
“Then people brought little children to Jesus for him to place his hands on them and pray for them. But the disciples rebuked them. Jesus said, ‘Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.'”
In Jesus’ time, children were often seen as unimportant, and the disciples tried to keep them from Jesus. But Jesus challenged that view, showing that their faith was something to be admired and replicated. I think we can learn a thing or two from them. I need to be reminded that these smelly, loud, attitude-filled children are the people of the kingdom of heaven and that Jesus calls all of us, young, old, and everything in between, to “Come to Him.”
I’ll be honest, y’all– watching these young people has convicted me. It made me ask myself: Am I living out my faith as boldly as that middle schooler with his worship music or the high schooler who stopped his friends in their tracks to bless their dinner? Am I as eager to learn about God as those kids running to Children’s Church?
Remember, sweet sisters, cultivating childlike faith isn’t about being immature. It’s about approaching our relationship with God with openness, trust, and wonder. It’s about believing in His goodness and power, even when circumstances seem dire.
As we navigate the challenges of our busy lives, let’s strive to maintain that pure, simple faith Jesus spoke of. In doing so, we may find our faith not only strengthened but also filled with joy and peace. As we navigate the challenges of adulthood- careers, relationships, family life- let’s strive to maintain that pure, simple faith Jesus spoke of. Let’s trust like Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, facing our own “fiery furnaces” with confidence in God’s power and goodness.
Oh, to have a childlike faith, joy, and zeal for the Gospel. Oh, to love others like a child. Lord, make me like one of these.
Let’s pray:
“Lord, make me like one of these. Help me to have the boldness to stand up for you like my students are doing. Remind me to have the joy and zeal to be with fellow believers, learn about you, and praise your name. Give me a childlike faith that trusts You completely, approaches You with wonder, and believes in Your promises without reservation. Amen.”
Kristie Fowler
Lean into Jesus Ministries
#kristiefowlerblogs
