Start the Party - High SchoolSample

When I was five years old, I was in a convenience store with my mom. And as she checked out, I played with a tape measure on the counter. I was filled with such joy while I was playing with it. My mom eventually finished, and she came and grabbed me, and I walked out of the store holding my new toy. We were halfway home when I realized we did not pay for the tape measure I was holding; I had unintentionally stolen it. Of course, my five-year-old self began crying, and my mom reassured me that everything was fine, and we went home.

While this is a funny story now that I am older, a deeper truth can be found. My focus was shifted away from my mom in the store. I didn't even notice she was finished checking out or that she was leaving the store. However, my mom never forgot about me, even when my attention was elsewhere. This is a great story to connect to the love Jesus provides. There are moments in life when our eyes shift away from Jesus. Sometimes, it feels like the enemy Jesus talks about is out there trying to take our focus away, steal our happiness, and fill our lives with sorrow. Just as I could not pay for the tape measure, I cannot pay the price of my sins (or how I’ve missed the mark on what God says is best). I did not know that what was stolen was already paid for. My mom had paid for the tape measure when she checked out. My mom intentionally paid for my toy the same way Jesus intentionally paid for our sins on the cross. I did not ask my mom to pay for the tape measure, just like we did not ask Jesus to die for our sins, but Jesus did it anyway because of how much He loves us.

It is easy to forget about the Lord's promises to us. Spend time this week and ask the Lord to reveal to you where the enemy is working against you. Pray that the Lord helps you remember that God has already overcome every situation you may face!