Spreading God's Truth

Today Chris and I had the opportunity to serve in the children's ministry at our church.  Normally the Pinch Hitters help in the preschool area & just give a bit of extra support to the regular people in the room.  We were needed in the 3rd grade ministry today where there were 77 children & 4 leaders!  We also normally just assist, not really lead, but with numbers that high, we stepped up to help the groups be smaller. 

I had my group of 9 girls which was nothing considering I use to teach 20-23 3rd graders for a living!  The kiddos learned about Elijah and the story of the false prophet Baal.  We did the activity, they answered questions, we discussed what some of our false idols could be, & I closed in prayer.  Nothing out of the usual...until...

One of the sweet, soft-spoken girls came up to me as we were cleaning up and said, "Which way do you think it would be worse to die...to be burned or drown?"  WOW, I hope my face didn't reveal my total shock in a very deep question.  I didn't know where she was going with the question or what was on her heart, but I followed mine and kept her talking.  I told her that both would be an awful way to die, painful in their own ways.  Then I asked her, "Why do you ask?"  She said that her sister had been telling her about the end of days (Rapture).

Again, WOW!  I was a complete stranger to this child...she didn't know me yet felt comfortable enough to ask me my opinion seeking answers.  I told her, "Ahh, you're talking about the Rapture - when Jesus comes again to take all those who believe in Him away to Heaven.  When we admit that we are sinners and cannot overcome our sins without Jesus & the sacrifice He made by dying on the cross for us, we make Jesus the Lord and Savior of our lives and put Jesus into our hearts.  Have you been Baptized?" 

She answered, "Yes!  And I read my Bible all the time.  I don't understand everything in there - some of the words are long and hard, some are short but I don't know what they mean.  So I ask my Mom."

I said, "That's wonderful!  Then you are saved!  You are so loved by God and now when Jesus comes again, you won't have to worry about what happens after the Rapture.  There will still be challenges on Earth because there is sin, but if you're still alive when Jesus returns, He will take you up to Heaven with Him.  Isn't that wonderful?  Isn't God amazing?"

She nodded her head with a smile & I gave her a hug.  I told her how proud of her I was that she reads her Bible & that she asks questions that help her grow in understanding and faith.  We spent the rest of the time talking about school starting & what she did on her summer vacation. 

"Do not let your hearts be troubled.  You believe in God; believe also in me.  My Father's house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you?  And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.  You know the way to the place where I am going."  John 14: 1-4

I cannot tell you how wonderful it felt to have uplifting answers, God's truth, to give her!  I'm so thankful that God placed me in that room with her so I could be there to discuss something that was obviously on her heart!  I've been seeking ways to minister to children oversees & locally who are in foster homes or orphanages because it breaks my heart that children might ever feel anything but love!  However, this was a wonderful reminder that right here, in my own church & community, that I have a great amount of children that I can reach, love, & share God's truth with. 

All of God's children are called to not only love, pray, tithe, go to church, forgive...but we are also all called to serve & share God's truth!  In Ephesians 4:15 it says, "Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ."  When we are in God's Word, and then turn and share His Truth with others, we become closer to God; we are being obedient.  We are blessed abundantly by being obedient to God.  I personally am encouraged to keep my eyes & ears open to how I can share God's truth & serve Him daily!  So walk with an open heart & listen to Giggles from Heaven!

Tammy Jones
"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."  Jeremiah 29:11