The Absolutes
A devotional by Nanci Rubin
"Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and today, and forever."
~Hebrews 13:8 (KJV)
Our world is in such turmoil, and our youth struggle to find their place in an ever-changing environment. Teens look to their peers for acceptance as parental influence becomes almost nil. Don’t we all look for acceptance? The youth desire to be loved. They need to know God loves them.
I have worked with kids all my life. I was Head Nurse in the Health Center at our local university and when I was nursing I worked in pediatrics. I’ve taught Sunday School to middle-grade kids. I love children, and I’ve seen first-hand how easily they can get into trouble. We’re all familiar with the cute toddler who reaches out to grab something, stops, looks you in the face waiting for your response. A “no-no” will be uttered, and those tiny hands quickly grab the desired object and drop it almost at the same time. They push you beyond your limits. The urge to rebel doesn’t seem to go away, even into adulthood there remains some residual. We appear to like the forbidden thing.
I remember when I worked at the college some of our freshman students would come totally unprepared for the liberal world-view, and the freedom associated with being away from home for the first time. It was such a culture shock that some couldn’t handle it, and they ended up leaving school. We had a sweet young lady named, Roxanne. She was so naïve and easily upset that she refused to sleep in the dorm and received permission from the Dean to sleep in the infirmary. She did that her entire freshman year. It wasn’t long into her sophomore year that Roxanne embraced college life with both arms. I watched her bloom where God planted her. I’m glad we took the time to nurture Roxanne, she needed the extra care. She was worth it. However, there is a universal mantra they all relate to. It is, “I hurt, and I’ll do anything to stop the pain.” And they try whether it’s by drugs, promiscuity, or rebellion. They call out for help. But are we listening?
Our young people need validation. They need to know how special they are, not only to their parents, friends, and relatives but to God. He created us in His image, so we’re starting off ahead in the game of life.
"So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them."~Genesis 1:27 (KJV)
God knows us before we’re born. He has chosen us and selected our DNA before we were a glimmer in our mother’s eye. I like that. And I’m awed by it.
"Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations."~Jeremiah 1:5 (KJV)
I would like every young person, old person and all in between to realize God didn’t make a mistake when he formed you. He made each of us unique and special. No one on planet earth has your fingerprint, your thoughts, memories, and your personal quirks. God didn’t make junk when he made you!
There is a gentleman in our Life Group from church who’d seemed troubled for several weeks but never mentioned anything nor asked for prayer. One evening, he finally asked for prayer. He’d begun to doubt what God had for him, and he felt he couldn’t be of use to God any longer because of his age. So many seniors believe their age can hinder their work for God. I am reminded that Sampson did greater feats at the end of his life than in the beginning. The patriarchs of the Bible were mighty men in the later years of their lives. God is not done with you yet. He is no respecter of persons.
"For God shows no partiality [no arbitrary favoritism; with Him one person is not more important than another]." ~Romans 2:11 (AMP)
No matter your age or station in life, you are God’s creation, and He loves you. He has a purpose and a plan for each life. Teach your children whom they can believe and count on. God will lead them through life. These are the absolutes they can hold onto. Be blessed and listen to His still small voice that says:
"Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen." ~Matthew 28:20 (KJV)
~*~
Author Bio:
Nanci writes Inspy Amish romance. She lives in Northern Virginia with her husband and two fur kids, Romeo and Juliet, rescue cats. She is working on her debut novel, Plain Justice.
She retired earlier than planned from nursing to care for her mother, diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. Her mom passed last year at the age of ninety-nine and Nanci has delved more into her writing.
She is active in an intercessory prayer ministry in her church, belongs to The Woman’s Club, a service-oriented volunteer organization dedicated to the welfare and enrichment of the community and volunteers two days a week at the Mary Washington Museum.
Currently, she's enrolled in Rhema Bible College’s correspondence Bible studies. She belongs to ACFW and RWA. When she’s not working, reading or writing she’s hiking with her husband at Shenandoah National Park.
She retired earlier than planned from nursing to care for her mother, diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. Her mom passed last year at the age of ninety-nine and Nanci has delved more into her writing.
She is active in an intercessory prayer ministry in her church, belongs to The Woman’s Club, a service-oriented volunteer organization dedicated to the welfare and enrichment of the community and volunteers two days a week at the Mary Washington Museum.
Currently, she's enrolled in Rhema Bible College’s correspondence Bible studies. She belongs to ACFW and RWA. When she’s not working, reading or writing she’s hiking with her husband at Shenandoah National Park.
