Favorite Bible Story: Gwen

Written by Kaley Morgan

Part of our Favorite Bible Story: Kids blog series. We've asked some kids in our Foothills Kids ministry to draw a picture representing one of their favorite Bible stories and to state why it is their favorite in their own words. Why are we doing this blog series? (1) we can all learn a lot from the beautiful simplicity of child-like faith and perspective. (2) It gives our kids another chance to serve in our church.

"At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, 'Who, then, is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?' He called a little child to him, and placed the child among them. And he said: 'Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me.'" —Matthew 18:1-4

Jesus is underscoring that humble spirit and servanthood, and the simple faith and trust that is in the heart of a child. Let's learn from the children of God. 

Our first submission is from Gwen, age 8. 

Gwen's favorite Bible story is the first coming of Jesus. Her why in her words? "God sent his son to save us!"

If you're like me, you read that statement and thought, "Yes, He did." It would be very easy to admire her talent and creativity in her drawings, then move on with my day because "I have a lot of things to do today." You might be thinking that right now as you contemplate whether or not you're going to finish reading this blog. But if that's you, I'd argue it's even more reason to keeping reading because a pause to reflect on Gwen's statement may be exactly what you need today.

Can we slow down enough to recognize how astonishingly magnificent her simple statement is?

It's a statement many of us are familiar with and believe in. It struck us as magnificent one day and we made a decision to follow Christ. But how often do we let it strike us again and again? As adults, it is too easy to become consumed by other things and forget to reflect or acknowledge that stripped down beauty of that very simple yet very glorious statement that Gwen has made.

Here are some things we get consumed by:
• Maybe it's shame and guilt. We think we should be better than we are, or we shouldn't have messed that one thing up... again!
• Maybe it's worry or anxiety. We want things to go well, and try to control all outcomes, which doesn't work.
• Maybe it's a struggle with perfectionism. We try to do everything perfectly right, but falling short every time leaves us feeling like a failure.
• Maybe it's our schedules, and no matter how hard we try to manage it better, we keep ending up tired, weary, and maybe feeling a little bit crazy.  
• I'll stop myself there so I don't get consumed thinking about all the things that consume us, so you can fill in your own blank, if needed.

But what do all those things have in common? Each one is about what we do.

And this is why we must pause and reflect on Gwen's beautifully worded statement. What did we do? Nothing. What did God do? Everything.

All those things we get consumed by? That is why He came to save us. We all mess up. None of us are good enough on our own. We all need saving. So God sent His Son to save us. God sent. God is the Savior. God did it.

Being saved has nothing to do with what we have done. Being saved has everything to do with what He did. It has nothing to do with being good enough. It has everything to do with being humble enough to say, "Lord, I need you." We can't do it on our own. So God sent His Son to save us. 

Another thing I love about Gwen's statement is "God sent." Sent. Not sending. Or is going to send. Sent. Past tense. It is finished. He already paid the penalty for our sins. He already did what was necessary to save us.

Upon acceptance of Jesus as our Savior, we are washed clean and covered in His righteousness. But knowing this and walking in it are two different things. Fellow believers, I know you believe it. But are you remembering to walk in it? Are you letting that truth permeate your thoughts, feelings, and actions? Or are you getting consumed with those other distractions? We can trust that if He loves us enough to die for us, then He loves us enough to continue taking care of us each day and doing what He needs to do to make us more and more like Him. Walk in freedom. Walk in the peace of His presence.

Brush away all the extra that we use to overcomplicate things, and focus on Gwen's glorious, simple, and truth-filled statement: "God sent His Son to save us!" God did it all. We didn't deserve it. But He did it anyway. Because He loves us more than we can imagine.

Bask in thankfulness and humble recognition of all He has done for you. Let the rest go. God sent His Son to save us. Thank you, Lord.

Thank you, Gwen, for your participation in this blog series and for reminding us all of the greatest message of all.