“I have great confidence in you; I take great pride in you. I am greatly encouraged; in all our troubles my joy knows no bounds.”
2 Corinthians 7:4
I think this is something every teenager need to hear on a regular basis. It should be posted on the wall of their room. Even though those years can be stressful as individualism develop, and hormones do too, there can still be joy. As parents we know our children’s potentials and we yearn for them to achieve it. We have watched them grow and we see what they can become. They are the source of our pride.. We need to bestow confidence in a time when that is the last thing in the world they have in themselves. We need to be encouraged that somewhere inside the self- entered outbursts and roller coaster emotions there still lies the Godly teachings we instilled in them. And in all of that, there is joy because the teenager is a part of us and we love them still.
This is the way Paul felt about his Church community in Corinthia . I have a feeling this is the way God sees us. As new Christians we absorb the Word. We are excited and we cannot wait to be with Him – to learn and be loved by our Father. Then we grow. We seek our individualism in the Body – we yearn to know our purpose, our gifts, what we are to do and be. And that is when rebellion knocks on the door, doesn’t it? I have to ask, in my Christian walk, have I really outgrown the “teen ” years? Have you? I think I need the saying posted on my walls.
Heavenly Father, I know you have confidence in me as Your child and even in times of trouble there can be joy in knowing You love me and are there for me. I want you to be proud of me. Draw me near to You and help me to further grow into the purpose You have for me. Help me realize that Christian maturity is like returning to be a child- full of wonder over your mercy and grace and in holy awe of Your power. Knock out any teenage like rebellion in my heart and forgive me for it. I praise You for Your patience, Your encouragement, Your unfailing Love. And, I thank You for Your Son through Whom I pray. Amen.
“Even a child is known by his actions, by whether his conduct is pure and right.” Proverbs 20:11
“The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children.” Rom 8:16
“And Jesus said, ‘I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 8:3
