"Take Heart, I Have Overcome the World" - Jesus

"In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." Jn. 16:33

What powerful and precious words from Jesus! Every time I read that verse I feel the arms of Jesus embracing me and making me strong!

I sometimes sense a tendency in myself as a Children's Ministry Director, and in Christian parents to fear the world and all that it throws at our children. Today's post is a challenge to take heart! It's a challenge to trust Jesus as the ultimate leader of our lives and of our children's lives.

No matter how hard we try to protect our children from the negative influences of media and the world around us, their young minds are exposed to society's ideals and lies at every turn. This thought often overwhelms me and my first response is fear. I begin asking the questions - How will a child ever understand truth? What can I do to protect these children? Is there any way I can be with them every second to talk them through these things? How quickly I forget the Lord's control and His command - Do Not Be Afraid!

We spend far too much time crippling ourselves and our children with the fear of the world, and not enough time living with the power and the courage that comes from Jesus' declaration - Take Heart! I have overcome the world! In other words - Take Heart - I am God at Stewart Elementary! Take Heart - I am God at WACO Schools! Take Heart - I am God at Lincoln Elementary! Take Heart - I am the God of this City and the God of your children!

Take Heart, dear parents! As we partner to provide a strong biblical foundation for the children of our church, we can confidently and fearlessly send them out into the world to be all that God intended them to be. We can trust Him to protect them and use them.

Don't get me wrong - I encourage you to be constantly aware of what your children are being exposed to, and wise as you choose what shows, video games, movies, and books you allow them to fill their minds with. As you prayerfully consider these decisions, trust God to guide you in discussions that will help your young ones develop a christian worldview in an unchristian world. Praying for you!