He Will Never Leave Us by Karen Hauser

 Know that the LORD is God. It is he, who made us, and we are his; we are his people, the sheep of his pasture.  Psalm 100:3
As I drive around town this summer, I see signs everywhere for Vacation Bible School and Summer Camps.  What a glorious time for the kids to see Gods love.  I know my own church, thanks to many volunteers, had a great VBS this past month. I only participated by prayer, but was thrilled to hear the stories of God’s goodness. There is a lot of work that goes into these events.  Many hours of preparation and the reward are everlasting.
A few years ago I was teaching a Sunday School Class for four year olds.  These kids were amazing!!! I fell in love with all of them!!!  The curiosity!  The questions!  The sugar highs!!  Oh, how I loved them!  Well, not so much on the sugar highs.  But, the other stuff was great!!
One Sunday morning as we wrapped up class, we sat in our circle for a question and answer session before closing in prayer. Very brave don’t you think?  Four year olds do have questions.  About everything.  Today I had been talking to the kids about prayer and how God loves to talk to us.  He loves us so much in fact; He never leaves us and never forsakes us.
Deuteronomy 31:6 says: Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.
Then the moment came many teachers wait for.  One little boy sitting directly across from me in the circle raised his hand and said: “Ms. Karen?  How do I know God is with me?”
Awesome!  I replied, “Psalm 9:10 says: Those who know your name, trust in you for you have NEVER abandoned anyone who searches for you.
I asked if God promises to never leave us, do you believe Him?  He replied with a resounding yes!
Are his promises forever?  “Yes!” everyone said.  Then they began telling me about all of the places and times God is with them.  Here are just a few:
“While they are playing because God likes to see them having fun.”
“When they are eating because it’s really good to eat stuff and get stronger.  Except spinach, it’s gross.”
“God even goes to the bathroom with us and that’s okay because since He made us, He can go in there.”
As I listened to the children talk, I looked at the curious little boy who started this whole conversation.  He had a huge peaceful smile on his face.  We closed in prayer and I thanked God for their desire to know more.  I prayed that they would always seek him and know that he is there.
When we have precious opportunities to share the good news with someone, we need to understand what an honor that truly is.  A life changed forever because we took the time to share something about our beautiful Father God that they didn’t know before.
Lord of Heaven and Earth, thank you so much for never leaving us and never forsaking us!! We need you!  Oh, how we need you!  Please take care of the one’s we teach and those that teach us.  We have moments to make a difference for you.  Please help us to use those moments wisely and to your glory!  And thank you for curious little children.  I know why you love them!
Amen