Faith like a child.

Luke 18:17

The Message (MSG)

 People brought babies to Jesus, hoping he might touch them. When the disciples saw it, they shooed them off. Jesus called them back. "Let these children alone. Don't get between them and me. These children are the kingdom's pride and joy. Mark this: Unless you accept God's kingdom in the simplicity of a child, you'll never get in."

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I haven't slept in 24 hours. I've been with the most amazing kids ever praising God and having the most fun I've have in a while. It was my first lock in and it wasn't meant for me but for the middle schoolers. I was just helping out as a leader/teacher. But, oh how they taught me. 

 *sorry for the blurry Instagram

We were all just hanging out for a while, laughing and goofing off, creating inside jokes and memories that will last for a long time to come. Then, we went and worshiped. The set was short but oh so powerful. Then my youth pastor came up and told us to grab our Bibles, find a place in the room, and talk to God. The soft sound of a guitar strumming was the soundtrack to my conversation with God. In that moment He decided to show me how strong He is and how in control He is of every single little thing in my life. I so needed that right then.

We were gathered together in front of the worship stage on our knees in a little mosh pit. "If God showed you something in His word while you were talking to Him, with your eyes closed now in this time just speak up and share it or pray out loud about something He's laid on your heart." 

This is where it got cool. These kids, middle school kids, spoke out with beautiful, totally obscure verses. Some old testament prophesies, some epistles, some gospel. When I was their age my "Bible vocabulary" consisted of some Psalms and John 3:16. And the things they prayed were the most selfless, God-centered requests from Him. It was beautiful. My youth pastor said, I agree that, "Those kids really blessed me tonight. It blessed me to see their growth in Christ.". When I see young teens seeking out God it gets me so excited! Like how one of my best friends recently has gotten out Bible and starting seriously studying and marking it up and that just thrills me!  I texted my mom:

I am so blessed to be able to lead, or even just know, these kids who love Him so much. Seeing their growth and passion for Him inspires me to pray even more for continued growth and passion. 

The whole experience was just amazing and I can't wait to see more of these kids and become more involved in their lives in the future! 

      Love and Joy,

           Emma