Jeremiah 4:28 – Therefore the earth will mourn and the heavens above grow dark, because I have spoken and will not relent, I have decided and will not turn back. (NIV)

Recently I went to a church to attend a funeral service. We, being the ones in attendance for the funeral service, were early. It was raining outside, so we proceeded to enter the front doors and waited in the foyer. This was a Friday, and the church was filled. I questioned myself, "What would be going on to fill the church to overflowing?" The children attending this service were from the school which was a part of that particular church. They were assembled for a praise and worship service. We waited for the assembly to finish. I listened, and my ears picked up the music the choir and students were singing: "I have decided to follow Jesus. No turning back. No turning back." As the doors opened and the children filed out in an orderly manner, some were still singing, "I have decided to follow Jesus." The tune is catching and the words are so meaningful.

I feel God chose a funeral to place me in a situation in which I was exposed to children's singing, and singing "I have decided to follow Jesus." So often I only hear of children being involved in drugs, violence and abuse of all sorts. I felt a glimmer of hope for them.

I thought of Daniel when he was taken from Jerusalem by the Babylonians to be taught as a student in their ways. But Daniel held firm to the teaching of his God, and never did he falter in his faith. As one of God's children, I pray for our youth, for my grandchildren, and for all of God's children that they may in some way be led to follow Jesus.

Prayer: God, be with our youth. May they find the true values of life that only You can give them. Let each of them decide for themselves to follow Jesus. For it is in His name we pray. Amen.

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About the author:

Anne Russell <annerussell80@gmail.com>
Brampton, Ontario, Canada
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