Week 13 (24-30 March): Children of God

When asked “Who are you”, your first instinct may be to answer this using the roles that you play in your life: “I am a mother”, “I am a teacher”, “I give advice to my friends when they need it.” When the youth were asked this question by Pastor Angela, they were no exception to that instinct, but there was one answer that stood out: “I am a child of God.” One of the youth in particular said it with charmingly resounding confidence, which made all of us laugh. When asked the follow up question, “Do you think you are enough?”, he said “Yes, because I am a child of God!” In a quieter moment after service, I was thinking back on why we laughed. I think it was because his confidence was rare.

In a world where someone else’s grass always seems greener, and self-doubt can seep in like a slow leak in a wooden boat, it is not second nature to say “I am a child of God, who is brave and more than enough.” It’s much easier to say bad things about yourself than to say good things and then believe with certainty that they are true. It’s also easier to believe what others say about you, and to live out the rest of your life chasing approval and acclaim to shore up your confidence. Pastor Angela shared about one of her past experiences where she was struggling not to compare herself to others at a conference. It was resolved much later when she finally realised that she was already loved for who she was by God, not for the role she played. She lays her testimony out in vulnerable, honest detail in her book so I won’t spoil it for you here, but it deeply resounded with us. 

It ties in very well with our focus for this year, which is understanding God’s heart. The youth have begun a series studying John, and we just had LX2 and F share about John 1. John 1:1 is a bit tricky to understand: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” They broke down each clause, and we figured out together that the Word was in reference to both a person (Jesus) and a concept of knowledge that had existed from the very beginning. He is The Beginning, and The Creator. He has meant for everything that has happened, because nothing can happen without Him. 

This is the fundamental truth that we hope stays with them: If Jesus is The Creator, and He chose to make you, you are important to Him. Therefore, you can know with certainty:

You are loved, and you were made to live out His careful and unique plan for you. That is enough.

We hope you found this reminder timely. If you would like to take a little piece of it with you for the week, one of my favourite songwriters, Abbie Gamboa, made this track. I think you will find the lyrics fitting. As we seek God’s heart, Aunty Kwee Shan and I continue to pray that this journey will reveal God’s plan and heart for each of them in His time. We would love it if you prayed with us! Take care, and see you all soon. 

Love,

Zoe (for the youth)