WHEN IT HURTS S FOR TIME - Write2Ignite
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Too Big for a Band-aid Copyright © 2018, Write2Ignite.com Permission is granted to use original materials from this collection, with these stipulations: • acknowledgement “Used by permission of Write2Ignite.com” must accompany quoted material; • material is quoted accurately in discussions or debates, i.e., content and statements from these devotionals are not used out of context or otherwise altered to make the writer’s original story seem to communicate a meaning contrary to its intended message. iv
Contents Introduction 1 A Good Protector • Grace Geide 3 After the Storm Deborah S. DeCiantis 5 Changed • Gail Wofford Cartee 7 Dad Moved • Mary Jane Cobble Downs 9 Good Answer • Darcy Hendrick 11 Hope Through the Tears • Cindy Lynn Sawyer 13 Sheltered • Cathy Biggerstaff 15 Singed but Not Broken • Grace Geide 17 Snowstorm Fears • Brenda Covert 19 The Worst Day Ever • Robyn Grage 21 How can I know God’s salvation and direction in my life? 23 Introducción 25 Un buen protector • Grace Geide 27 Después de la tormenta • Deborah S. DeCiantis 29 Transformado • Gail Wofford Cartee 31 Papá se mudó • Mary Jane Cobble Downs 33 Buena respuesta • Darcy Hendrick 35 La esperanza a través de las lágrimes • Cindy Lynn Sawyer 38 v
Amparados • Cathy Biggerstaff 41 Chamuscada pero no quelerada • Grace Geide 43 Miedo a la Nevada • Brenda Covert 45 El peor día de todos los tiempos • Robyn Grage 47 ¿Como puedo saber cómo ser salvado y recibir la guianza de parte de Dios en mi vida? 49 Credits 51 Créditos 52 Bible Quotation Sources 53 vi
Introduction Write2Ignite Conference, a non-profit writers’ group for Christians who write for young audiences, developed this set of devotionals for children and young people who have gone through natural disasters and other tragedies in their family or community. In the weeks, months, and years to come, both old and young need encouragement and reminders about God’s love even when bad circumstances come our way, whether tornadoes, hurricanes and flooding, shootings, fires, injury, or sickness. The Bible includes many accounts of people who served God and found Him faithful even when bad things happened in their lives. It also presents the story of the original Creation and tells how evil first came into the perfect world God had made. Even though we don’t live in that original world today, we can still know God and enjoy the full and beautiful life He offers to everyone who believes in Him. We invite you to read and share these devotionals, free of charge, and to watch as God brings “beauty for ashes” (Isaiah 61:1-3 ESV) to those areas and people recovering from loss and hard times. May His blessing be on each one as you consider how God is using difficult events to build faith, love, and community. 1
A Good Protector by Grace Geide Mom sat on the bed, rubbing Josh’s back. “You haven’t left the house all week, honey. The shooting happened weeks ago, across town. It’s safe to go outside now. Let’s get some ice cream and talk about this.” Josh shook his head. “I saw dead people on TV; they were lying on the ground. And when we passed the school where the shooting happened, I saw bullet holes in the front of the building. I’m afraid I’ll get shot if I leave home.” Mom hugged Josh. “I know. I’m praying for you, and I’m here if you want to talk.” “Thanks, Mom.” Just then, a little white dog ran into the room, barking, and put his paws on Josh’s legs. Josh smiled and rubbed the dog’s head. “I’d better let Max out.” Mom and Josh walked into the kitchen, and Max followed them. Josh reached for the door, but suddenly Mom shook her head and picked up Max. “Maybe we shouldn’t let Max outside. He could be hit by a car or stolen. And remember how that big dog chased him?” Mom carried Max to his crate. “There’s danger even here in the house. He should stay in his crate as much as possible.” 3
Josh stared at Mom as she closed Max in his crate. “But Mom—Max needs to go outside. It’s good for him to run around.” “I don’t know, Josh. He’s safer here.” “But what kind of life is that?” Josh protested. “I’ll watch Max, and I’ll protect him if something goes wrong.” Mom smiled and opened the crate. Max bounded into the back yard when she opened the kitchen door. Mom put her arm around Josh’s shoulder. “You’re right. Even though it can be dangerous outside, it’s good for Max to play in the sun. He’s lucky to have a good owner like you. And guess what? You have Someone amazing watching out for you too.” Josh watched Max run around the yard, chasing a butterfly. “God loves me more than I love Max, doesn’t He?” “Much more,” Mom said. “It’s natural to be scared, and it’s good to be careful. But remember, God will protect you until it’s your time to leave this earth.” Do you feel afraid when you hear about shootings and other tragedies? Do all you can to stay safe, but don’t worry about what might happen to you. Remember that God is protecting you. When you feel fear rising in your heart, ask God to help you trust in Him. He will never leave you. Psalm 91:1-10 Verse 2: “I will say of the Lord, ‘He is my refuge and my fortress: My God, in him will I trust’” (NKJV). Trust in God’s protection. 4
After the Storm by Deborah S. DeCiantis “It’s still there!” Rosa clapped, running toward their house. She stopped short. Mud blocked the doorway. Her neighbor’s house was missing windows and a huge section of roof. “Our street is ruined!” she wailed. Mama and Aunt Julia caught up, put their arms around her, and cried together. Uncle Raul and Rosa’s cousins, Jorge and Pedro, brought the wheelbarrow with tools and supplies. They immediately started shoveling mud and separating rubbish into piles. Soon, they had cleared a path into the house. Rosa smelled moldy upholstery and spoiled food. Drying their tears, Mama and Aunt Julia put on work gloves, handed Rosa hers, and began collecting dishes and pots. As they worked, her aunt softly sang Chris Tomlin’s song, Amazing Grace (My Chains Are Gone). Rosa shook her head at the being-set-free part of the lyrics. “Our house smells. There’s no power or water. It will take ages to fix! How can you feel free in this mess? Why did God let the hurricane come?” Aunt Julia stopped. “God is good even when storms come! Job lost his family, money, health, and home. He cried out—but didn’t blame God. Instead, he said, ‘Shall we…accept good from God, and… not accept adversity?’ (Job 2:10 NKJV). Job believed his changing circumstances didn’t change God’s goodness.” Rosa protested, “If you love someone, you don’t hurt him.” 5
“Really?” asked Mama. “Do you love your little brother?” “Of course,” answered Rosa. “What happened when you pulled him away from the campfire last night?” “He fell and cut his knees,” Rosa admitted, “but he’d have been hurt worse if he had fallen in. Today, he’s proudly showing everyone his superhero bandages.” Mama nodded. “After the pain, he’s still happy. Can we trust God to bring good from this storm’s damage?” Rosa thought. “Maybe. It will take a LOT of work, though. We can’t just bandage this house.” “True,” said Mama. “Over years, God restored what Job lost. He praised God even in hard times, and so can we.” “Well, let’s repaint my room a brighter color!” laughed Rosa. “Too much talking—where’s that picnic lunch?” called Uncle Raul. “Who’ll give thanks for the food?” Rosa smiled. “I will!” Has a storm or flood brought destruction to your family’s home or a friend’s neighborhood? Do you worry about your safety when forecast- ers predict dangerous weather patterns? God loves people even when He allows hard times in their lives. Look for the good things that will come after the storm. Job 1:13-22, Job 42: 10-17 God loves us, even when hard times come. The Lord has promised good to me, His word my hope secures He will my shield and portion be As long as life endures. 6
Changed by Gail Wofford Cartee A green caterpillar crawled on the sidewalk. Thomas looked for something to scoop it up and took it home. “Mom, look what I found!” Mom paused from making dinner. “That’s one huge caterpillar. Put it in your critter cage, and we’ll look up caterpillars online later.” After dinner, Thomas saw the caterpillar making a web in the corner of the cage. “By morning it will be inside its cocoon,” Mom said. “How long will it stay?” asked Thomas. “Let’s just watch and see.” Thomas checked the cage every day for a while. Fall turned to winter, and winter to spring, and still the cocoon showed no signs of life. “The caterpillar is dead,” said Thomas. “May as well toss it.” Mom just smiled. At school, Thomas saw Mrs. Hope, the school counselor, talking with his teacher. Then Mrs. Hope faced the children. “Class, I have some sad news. Our friend, Eli, was in an accident yesterday.” Tears ran down Mrs. Hope’s cheeks. “I’m so sorry. Eli didn’t survive. Please pray for his family.” The class sat still as she left the room. When Thomas got home, he told Mom about Eli. “Thomas, I have something to show you.” Mom took Thomas to the critter cage. A luna moth was emerging from the cocoon. “I’m sorry your friend died. Do you remember the Bible story about Lazarus?” 7
Thomas nodded. “Yes, he was sick and died. Then Jesus called him from the grave, and he came out alive.” “Exactly. Your caterpillar seemed dead, but he came out of his cocoon more beautiful than ever. It’s okay to be sad. That’s part of losing someone we love. Jesus was sad when Lazarus died.” “We learned John 11:35. ‘Jesus wept.’ Jesus cared that His friend died and everyone was sad,” said Thomas. “Jesus also reminded them that He is the resurrection and the life. Jesus’ creation reminds us of His promises. Your caterpillar emerged today to remind us that one day Eli will be resurrected too.” Our lives do not end with death. One day, Jesus will call us from the grave. We will be changed and made perfect. We will meet Him in the air to live forever with our Lord and Savior. John 11:25, 26; John 11: 39–45; 1 Thess. 4:13 -18 (KJV) 1 Thess. 4:16-17: “For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God; and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.” 8
Dad Moved by Mary Jane Cobble Downs Davie walked out the front door and sat on the steps, beating his baseball hard into his glove. His mother followed, knowing that he might need to talk. After a few minutes, Davie said, “Mom, why did Dad have to die?” Mom shook her head. “I don’t know, Son.” “We prayed, and I believed that God would heal him. Why didn’t God heal him?” “I don’t know why God took your dad to heaven instead of healing him here on earth,” Mom said. “But I do know that God knows what He’s doing, even if we don’t understand. His wisdom is so much greater than ours.” “But I miss Dad so much, and now I won’t get to see him again,” Davie said. Tears filled his eyes. “Davie, that’s not true. You’ll see your dad again. He asked Jesus to come into his heart when he was a teenager, and you asked Jesus to come into your heart last year. Pastor John baptized you both together. Remember?” “Yes, ma’am.” Mom patted Davie’s shoulder. “In the Bible, Jesus says He’s preparing a place and that all His followers will be there with Him together—forever. Your dad just moved to heaven before us. We’ll see him later when it’s our turn to move up there.” “So—Dad’s living in a different place where we can’t see him, but he’s still alive and living with Jesus?” Davie asked. 9
“Yes, Son, your dad just changed locations.” “But who’s going to help me practice baseball and take me to games?” “Well, I’m always here,” Mom said. “And your coach and teammates have already offered to help. And don’t forget that Uncle Joey and Uncle Sam love baseball as much as you do. Why don’t you invite them over to play? No one will ever replace your dad. But others are waiting to help, if you’ll let them.” Davie thought about that, and then he smiled. “Want to play catch, Mom?” “I’d love to, but I’m not as good as your dad.” “That’s okay, Mom,” Davie said. “I’ll teach you.” Have you lost a parent to death? Find people who make you feel comfortable, and tell them how you feel. They may not always have the answers you’re looking for, but they’ll comfort you while you’re looking. If you don’t know anyone like that, write your thoughts in a journal until someone is available. During hard times, it’s very important to express your thoughts instead of holding them in. John 14:1–3 Verse 3: “And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am” (NIV). God’s followers go to heaven. 10
Good Answer by Darcy Hendrick Sage searched the pantry shelves. “Where are my snacks?” Brock, her older brother, exchanged a worried look with their mother. “Where’s Ethan?” Brock shot out the door and up the stairs to Ethan’s room. “Mom!” Brock hurried down the stairs, an unconscious Ethan in his arms. Their mother and Sage rushed into the hallway. “Sage, get the epi pen. Brock, lay him on the couch.” Within seconds, the epi pen was jabbed into Ethan’s thigh, 911 was called, and EMTs were on the way. “Stupid allergy,” Sage vented. “Stupid kid,” Brock said under his breath. But his mother heard. “Brock!” “I know, Mom. It’s just—how many times are we going to have to deal with this? And what if, one of these times, we’re too late?” Brock spoke a fear they all had. All except six-year-old Ethan, who continued to ignore his food allergy and eat foods that might take his life. Later that evening, the brothers raced cars around the track of Ethan’s favorite video game as Ethan sat in bed. “I won again! That’s three times in a row,” Ethan cheered. “Yeah, I hear ya,” Brock said, laughing. “Well, at least you hear,” Ethan muttered. “God never does.” 11
“What do you mean?” Brock asked. “I keep praying for this stupid allergy to go away, but God doesn’t hear.” Brock sat on Ethan’s bed. “Do you sneak foods you’re not supposed to eat to test God?” Ethan said defiantly, “Yeah, why not? I ask God all the time, but He doesn’t care.” “You know what I realized today?” Brock didn’t wait for an answer. “I realized how much I would miss times like this if you weren’t here. As much as you drive me crazy, you’re one of my favorite people to spend time with. With every allergic reaction, I’m terrified I’m going to lose you.” Ethan sat stunned. “You mean, me having this allergy makes you care more about me?” Brock smiled. “I would care anyway, but your allergy makes me want to spend more time with you.” “So maybe God does listen and care,” Ethan said. “If I had to choose between no allergy or less Brock, I’d choose this stupid allergy any day.” “Good answer,” Brock said with a grin. Do you ever wonder if God hears, or if He does, if He cares? You pray but God doesn’t take away the difficulty? God says that He can use ALL THINGS, that means even the bad stuff, for our good if we are His. For Ethan, that meant more time spent with a big brother who valued Ethan more because of a dangerous food allergy. The good God brings might not always be easy to see, but God can be trusted. When He says He will use all things for good, there will be good. Romans 8:28 “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose” (KJV). 12
Hope Through the Tears by Cindy Lynn Sawyer Sammy woke to the popping and crackling of fire. Bitter smoke suffocated him. His eyes strained to find the door. Stepping out of bed, he tripped over his backpack and fell to the floor. Just then, he remembered his dad saying that smoke rises. Dad had said, “If you’re ever caught in a fire, drop to the ground for breathable air.” Having a fireman for a dad had lifesaving benefits. Sammy stayed low to the ground. Suddenly, someone pulled him up, and strong arms encircled him. “Keep your eyes closed and your head down!” a man’s voice commanded. “We have to jump.” Sammy’s heart hammered, but he obeyed. He heard the man shatter a window. The man pulled Sammy close and jumped through the window with him. Sammy felt himself falling, wrapped in the man’s arms. Thud! A hard fall on the ground punched the air out of Sammy’s lungs. Sammy rolled over. Tears stung his eyes. His mom embraced him as he caught his breath. The man who saved Sammy lay moaning on the ground. People surrounded the man. Another man drove Sammy and his mom to the hospital. Later that night, Sammy learned that he had lost not only his home but also his dad in a wildfire. Sammy couldn’t help but question God. 13
“Mom,” he asked, “why did God save us but not Dad?” “Oh, Sammy,” Mom said with watery eyes. She hugged him. “The world isn’t always safe.” She sighed deeply. “Remember the man who rescued you?” The knot in Sammy’s throat kept him from speaking, so he just nodded. Mom said, “He broke his legs when he jumped out the window with you. He risked his life to save you. Your dad did the same for others.” “But Dad shouldn’t have died.” Tears spilled onto Sammy’s cheeks. Mom gently pulled Sammy’s chin up until his eyes met hers. “Sammy, the Bible says there’s no greater love than laying down your life for others. Jesus died for us so that someday we can live in a world that’s no longer broken. Where there’s no more pain or sorrow.” Sammy threw his arms around Mom’s neck and cried. “I want Dad back.” Mom held him close. “So do I. So very much.” Have you lost someone close to you? Losing someone you love can make your heart hurt for a long time. We live in a world where disaster, disease, and other bad things exist. Even Jesus endured pain and death in this imperfect world. But remember—God’s always with us, and He’s created a new sorrow-free world where we can live with Him forever. Revelation 21:4 “And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away” (KJV). God will make all things new. 14
Sheltered by Cathy Biggerstaff “Olivia, come downstairs, please. It’s time to leave.” Olivia obeyed her mother’s call, but she didn’t want to leave the house. “Mom, I’m scared. I don’t want to go out in the storm.” “I know, sweetie, but this storm is dangerous, and the waters are getting higher. The water may flood our house if it rains much more. I’m glad that our town has a special place for us to stay warm and dry until it’s safe to go home.” Olivia put her raincoat on, grabbed her doll Isabelle by the hand, and followed her mother onto the bus that would take them to the emergency shelter. Arriving at the shelter didn’t calm Olivia’s heart. Hundreds of people were milling around, and there was lots of noise from adults talking and children crying. Olivia followed her mother to the space they’d been assigned and sat down on her little cot. She pulled her doll close and whispered in Isabelle’s ear, “Don’t tell the others when we get home, but you’re my favorite. I’m so glad you came with me.” Olivia felt her stomach growl. “Mom, I’m hungry. What will we eat for lunch? How can you cook for us?” Mom assured Olivia and Isabelle that they would be fed. “Food will be donated by nice people in our community. It’ll be here very soon.” Olivia gently rocked Isabelle and patted her on the back. 15
“Shh, sweet baby,” Olivia cooed into Isabelle’s ear. “I know that this shelter is a scary place with all these people we don’t know. But Mom says that no matter where we are, God’s with us. She says He never leaves us because He loves us so much.” Sometimes, Olivia was very scared. Mom read to her from the Bible, pointing out a special verse. “Deuteronomy 31:8 says, ‘It is the LORD who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.’” Olivia didn’t understand everything her mother was telling her. But she felt better knowing that no matter where she was living, at home or in a shelter, God was there and would take care of her. Are you ever afraid? Do you feel frightened during thunderstorms? Do you feel nervous when you’re alone? Most people get scared sometimes. When you feel scared, remember what Olivia learned—God is always with you. He wraps His loving arms around you, and He’ll shelter you from the scary things in life. Isaiah 43:1–3 Verse 2: “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you” (ESV). God will take care of you. 16
Singed but Not Broken by Grace Geide Dad stopped the truck. “You’re sure you want to see the house, honey? It’s in rough shape since the fire.” Crystal nodded. “I want to find the flower pot that Grandma made me.” “Okay,” Dad said. “It’s not safe to go inside, but we’ll search the yard.” Dad lifted Crystal down from the truck. She looked across the yard and saw a blackened shell where her house used to be. The glass was gone from the windows. The roof was shattered. There was a pile of ash over the garden. Crystal felt tears filling her eyes, and she pressed her face into her dad’s coat. Dad knelt and hugged her. “It’ll be okay, sweetheart.” “No, it won’t. We’ve lost everything!” “It’ll be okay—you’ll see. Let’s find your flower pot.” Dad searched with Crystal. He helped her step around broken boards. “At least someone got to keep her house,” said Dad, pointing. Crystal looked up and saw a bird fluttering into a birdhouse in a small tree in the yard. Suddenly, she remembered something. “Dad—what will she eat? We were scattering birdseed, but now our bags of birdseed are burned up.” “Don’t worry,” said Dad. “She’ll find something. Watch her while I 17
search closer to the house. I think I know where your flower pot might be.” Crystal watched the bird hop across the grass. The bird looked around but didn’t seem to find anything. “I’m sorry,” Crystal whispered. “I wish I could help.” “Look what I found by the garden!” called Dad. Crystal turned to see him holding a purple flower pot. “My flower pot!” she said, hugging it close. “It’s singed but not broken,” Dad said. “And our friend found something too.” He pointed to the tree. The bird was flying to the birdhouse, holding a worm in her beak. “How did she find that so fast?” asked Crystal. “I thought she’d go hungry without birdseed.” “The Bible says that God feeds birds, even though they don’t grow their own food,” Dad said. “And guess what? If He helps birds that much, He’ll help us too, even though we’ve lost so much. Does that make you feel better?” “Yes,” said Crystal. She smiled. “As long as He doesn’t feed us worms.” Are you worried because your family needs something important, like money, food, or a house? Remember that you’re not alone. God never stops watching over you, and He knows what you need. Call out to Him for help. He will provide for you, just as He helps the rest of His creatures. Matthew 6:25–34 Verse 26: “Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they?” (KJV). God will provide for you. 18
Snowstorm Fears by Brenda Covert As Leo Mayes and his mother drove home, fluffy clumps of snowflakes fell, and the landscape turned white. His mother’s knuckles turned white as well. She dug her cell phone out of her purse. “Call your dad, Leo. Tell him where we are and that we should be home in half an hour.” Taking the phone and seeing the red battery symbol, Leo said, “Your phone is almost dead.” Mom let up on the gas, gaze still intent on the road ahead. “Hurry and call your dad before it dies!” The phone had just started to ring when the car swerved, jerking Leo to the right. “Mom!” She met his wide-eyed gaze in the rearview mirror with her own look of alarm. The car spun and slid off the road, jolting to a halt in the ditch. Leo looked at his empty hands. Where had Mom’s phone gone? Mom moaned from the front seat. “Mom? Are you all right?” Leo asked. Mom rubbed her head. “I’m okay. Are you all right?” She strained to look at him in the back seat. “I’m fine, but I dropped your phone! What happened?” “We must have hit a patch of ice.” 19
Leo found the phone under the seat, but it was dead. “What are we going to do now?” Mom told him to climb into the front seat. Then she wrapped her arms around him and hugged him. “We are going to pray,” she said. “God knows where we are, right?” Leo nodded. “So we’re going to pray and ask him to keep us safe and send help. The Lord is with us, Leo. We have nothing to fear.” Mom’s prayer calmed Leo’s anxious heart. The whole world could be blanketed in white, and God would still know where he was. He had forgotten that. Leo and his mother both jumped in their seats when someone thumped the car and yelled “Hello!” What a relief! A tow truck driver had seen the car and stopped to help! The man put the car back on the road and let Leo’s mother borrow his phone to call her husband. Leo returned to the back seat. “I’m glad God is with us!” “Me too,” said Mom as she drove them home. Do you know that God never loses sight of you? Do you know how much He loves you? Do you ask Him for help when scary things happen? Even when you feel helpless, you can trust that God knows where you are and will send what you need. 2 Thess. 3:16 “Now the Lord of peace himself give you peace always by all means. The Lord be with you all” (KJV). 20
The Worst Day Ever by Robyn Grage “Today was the worst day ever, Mom.” Megan slid into the chair and dropped her book bag on the floor. Muffy came running and jumped in her lap, yipping happily. Megan picked her up and buried her face in the dog’s soft fur, trying to keep the tears from falling again. “What’s wrong, honey?” her mother asked. Megan looked up and saw her mother set aside the vegetables she was sautéing for soup. Their savory aroma filled the room. “I guess you heard about the shooting, didn’t you?” she asked. “I did—just a few minutes before you got home.” “You know my teacher, Mrs. Phelps?” Megan continued. “She grew up in that town and knows some of the kids at that school. And her nephew…” She couldn’t hold back the tears any longer. “Oh, no, Megan! I’m so, so sorry!” Megan’s mother sat beside her and reached for her. Megan leaned into her and cried. “Mom, if God loves us, how could he let this happen?” Megan asked, still sniffing. “I don’t know, honey. We never know for sure why things like this happen,” her mother answered. “What we do know is that God does love us. He knows all about what happened, and he allowed it to happen for reasons we don’t understand now.” “But I don’t see how this could be good at all…” “I know. Neither do I, but I trust God, and I know he will make everything all right in eternity.” She went to the window and looked 21
outside. “Come and look at this, honey.” Megan set Muffy down and looked out the window at the lush green woods and flowers. The birds were singing as if nothing was wrong. “It’s beautiful, Mom.” “Yes, it is, and it tells us about the Creator. The same God who made us and all we see has power over death too. He proved it when he came out of the grave. No one else could ever do that.” Megan felt her mother’s strength and faith, her peace, even though there was still sadness. Then she understood. Because Jesus is alive, we know he can and will make everything right. Jesus really is the hope of the world…even on the worst day ever. There will always be pain, death, and grief in this world, but there can also be peace and hope for those who believe the promises of God and trust him for salvation. Revelation 21:4 is God’s promise that he will make everything all right someday when life on this earth is over and we live in heaven with him. John 11:17-27, 34-44; Rev. 21:4; John 14:27 (NKJV) Rev. 21:4: “And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying; and there shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away” (NKJV). John 14:27: “Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid” (NKJV). God gives peace in an evil world. 22
How can I know God’s salvation and direction in my life? The Bible presents God’s acts, words, and interactions with people since the beginning of the world. Here are important claims the Bible makes about God, the world, and people: • God created the world and the living plants and creatures on earth (Genesis 1:1-2:25) • This world was good, but the first humans broke their relationship with God when they substituted their choice for the limit God had put in place. This sinful choice brought trouble, pain, disease, conflict, and death into the world. We see these consequences today in everyday problems and in major disasters that occur. (Genesis 3:1-11:9) • While people still reflect some goodness (“the image of God,” Genesis 1:27), good intentions and acts on just the human level cannot drive out evil in the world or repair the broken relationship between God and people (Jeremiah 17:9 and Isaiah 64:6-7) • God loves people so much that He provided a way to restore the relationship broken by sin. Salvation is the gift God offers to those who acknowledge and turn from their sin, accept by faith the gift of atonement made through His Son, Jesus Christ, and seek to make Him first in their life (Isaiah 64:8, Isaiah 53:1-9, Luke 1:1-2:40, John 3:16-18, John 1:1-13, John 6:28-40, Matthew 6:25-34, Ephesians 2:8-10, Romans 3:23, Romans 6:23, Romans 5:1-9, and many others) • Jesus was crucified, died, and rose from the dead to take away sin (all gospel accounts, Galatians 3:10-29, 1 Timothy 2:1-7, and 2 Peter 1:16-21). • God reveals Himself through the world He has created, through the Word (Bible record) He directed people to write 23
and preserve, through His Holy Spirit (who lives in those who accept Jesus), and through miraculous events (Psalm 19:1-4, Romans 1:18-25, Exodus 3:1-4:31, John 17:1-21:25, John 16:5-20, John 4:24, John 14:17, Romans 8:9, Ephesians 1:13, Galatians 4:6, 5:16-23, 1 Timothy 4:1, James 4:5, 1 John 4:13, 1 John: 5:6). 24
Proyecto Devocional de la Conferencia Escribir Para Encender 2018 Introducción La conferencia de Escribir Para Encender es un grupo de escri- tores, sin fin de lucro, para cristianos quienes escriben para audien- cias de jóvenes, desarrollaron esta serie de devocionales para niños y jóvenes quienes han pasado por desastres naturales u otras tragedias. En las semanas, meses y años de venir, los jóvenes y los ancianos necesitaran ser animados y ser recordados del amor de Dios, espe- cialmente cuando las circunstancias malas vienen; si sean tornados, huracanes, inundaciones, tiroteos, fuegos, lesiones o enfermedades. La Biblia incluye muchas historias de personas quienes sirvieron a Dios y lo encontraron a El fiel, aun cuando las cosas malas sucedieron en sus vidas. También la Biblia presenta la historia de la creación y ex- plica como la maldad entro al mundo perfecto que hizo Dios. Aunque ya no vivimos en este mundo perfecto hoy en día, podemos conocer a Dios y disfrutar de la plenitud y hermosa vida que El ofrece a todos los que creen en El. Les invitamos a leer y compartir estos devocionales, totalmente gratis, para contemplar cuando Dios te trae “un hermoso tocado en lugar de cenizas” a las áreas y a las personas recuperando de perdidas u otras circunstancias malas. Que la bendición de Dios sea en cada uno de ustedes cuando realizan que Él está usando estos eventos difíciles en las vidas para aumentar la fe, el amor y la unidad de la comunidad. 25
Un buen protector por Grace Geide Mamá estaba sentada en la cama, sobando la espalda de Josh. “No has salido de la casa toda la semana, cariño. El tiroteo ocurrió hace semanas, en el otro lado de la ciudad. Ahora es seguro salir afuera. Consigamos algo de helado y hablemos acerca de esto.” Josh movió su cabeza negativamente. “Vi a personas muertas en la television; estaban echados en la tierra. Y cuando pasamos por la escuela donde ocurrió el tiroteo, vi los huecos de las balas en el frente del edificio. Tengo miedo ser disparado si salgo de la casa.” Mamá abrazó a Josh. “Yo sé. Estoy orando por ti, y estoy aquí si quieres hablar.” “Gracias, Mamá.” En ese momento, un perrito blanco entró corriendo al cuarto, ladrando y puso sus patas en las piernas de Josh. Josh se sonrió y acarició la cabeza del perro. “Debo dejar salir a Max.” Mamá y Josh entraron a la cocina, y Max los siguió. Josh estaba por abrir la puerta, pero Mamá de repente movió negativamente su cabeza y recogió a Max. “Tal vez no debemos permitir que Max salga afuera. Puede ser atropellado por un carro o robado. Y ¿te acuerdas cómo ese perro grande lo correteó?” Mamá llevó a Max a su jaula. 27
“Hay peligros incluso aquí en la casa. Debe quedarse en su jaula lo más posible.” Josh miraba fijamente a Mamá mientras ella encerraba a Max en su jaula. “Pero Mamá, Max necesita salir afuera. Es bueno que salga a correr.” “No sé, Josh. Está más seguro aquí.” “Pero, ¿qué clase de vida es esa?” protestó Josh. “Yo vigilaré a Josh, y le protegeré si algo malo pasa.” Mamá se sonrió y abrió la jaula. Max saltó al patio del fondo cuando ella abrió la puerta de la cocina. Mamá colocó su brazo al hombro de Josh. “Tienes razón. Aunque sea peligroso afuera, es bueno que Max salga a jugar en el sol. Es afortunado tener un buen dueño como tú. ¿Y sabes qué? Tú tienes a Alguien maravilloso vigilándote también.” Josh miró que Max corría en el patio, correteando una mariposa. “Dios me ama a mí más que yo amo a Max, ¿cierto?” “Mucho más,” dijo Mamá. “Es normal tener miedo, y es bueno ser cuidadosos. Pero recuerda, Dios te protegerá hasta que sea tu tiempo para irte de esta tierra.” ¿Te sientes temeroso/a cuando oyes acerca de tiroteos y otras tragedias? Haz todo lo que puedas para ser cuidadoso/a, pero no te preocupes de lo que te pueda ocurrir. Recuerda que Dios te está protegiendo. Cuando sientas temor en tu corazón, pídele a Dios que te ayude confiar en Él. Él nunca te dejará. Salmos 91:1-10 Salmos 91:2: “Yo le digo al SEÑOR: ‘Tú eres mi refugio, mi fortaleza, el Dios en quien confío’” (NVI). Confía en la protección de Dios. 28
Después de la tormenta por Deborah S. DeCiantis “¡Está allí todavía!” Rosa aplaudió, corriendo hacia la casa de ellos. Ella tuvo que deternerse. Barro bloqueba la entrada. Le faltaban ventanas y gran parte del techo a la casa de sus vecinos. “¡Nuestra calle está arruinada!” gimió ella. Mamá y la tía Julia la alcanzaron, la abrazaron y lloraron juntas. El tío Raúl y los primos de Rosa, Jorge y Pedro, trajeron la carretilla con herramientas y cosas necesarias. Inmediatamente empezaron a palear el barro y a separar lo arruinado en montones. Pronto habían abierto un camino para entrar a la casa. Rosa olía el tapizado mohozo de los muebles y comida podrida. Secándose las lágrimas, Mamá y la tía Julia se pusieron guantes para trabajar, le dieron a Rosa las suyas y empezaron a recoger los platos y las ollas. Mientras trabajaban, su tía suavemente cantaba la canción de Chris Tomlin, Amazing Grace (My Chains Are Gone) – Gracias admirable (mis cadenas se han ido). Rosa movió la cabeza negativamente en la parte del canto donde las palabras dicen que somos liberados. “Nuestra casa huele. No hay electricidad ni agua. ¡Nos llevará siglos arreglar todo! ¿Cómo puedes sentirte libre en este mugrero? ¿Por qué dejó Dios venir el huracán?” La tía Julia dejó de cantar. “¡Dios es bueno incluso cuando vengan las tormentas! Job perdió a su familia, su dinero, su salud y su casa. Él gritó, pero no culpó a Dios. En cambio, dijo: ‘Si de Dios sabemos recibir lo bueno, ¿no sabremos recibir también lo malo?’ (Job 2:10 29
NVI). Job creía que sus circunstancias no cambiaban la bondad de Dios.” Rosa protestó. “Si amas a alguien, no los vas a lastimar.” “¿De verdad?” preguntó Mamá. “¿Amas a tu hermanito?” “Claro que sí,” contestó Rosa. “¿Qué ocurrió anoche cuando lo alejaste de la fogata?” “Se cayó y se hirió las rodillas,” Rosa admitió, “pero se hubiera herido peor si se hubiera caído al fuego. Hoy orgullosamente les está mostrando a todos sus curitas de superhéroes.” Mamá afirmó con la cabeza. “Después del dolor, él aún está feliz. ¿Podemos confiar que Dios traerá bien de los daños de esta tormenta?” Rosa pensó. “Tal vez. Sin embargo, requerirá MUCHO trabajo. No podemos ponerle una curita a esta casa.” “Cierto,” dijo Mamá. “Al pasar los años, Dios restauró lo que Job había perdido. Él alabó a Dios aún en los tiempos difíciles, y nosotros podemos hacer lo mismo.” “Entonces, ¡pintemos mi cuarto un color más brillante!” Rosa se rió. “Demasiada conversación—¿dónde está ese almuerzo picnic?” llamó el tío Raúl. “¿Quién dará las gracias por la comida?” Rosa sonrió. “¡Yo las dare!” ¿Una tormenta o una inundación ha destruido la casa de tu familia o el vecindario de un amigo/una amiga? ¿Te preocupas de tu seguridad cuando los prognosticadores anuncian peligrosas situaciones del tiempo? Dios ama a las personas incluso cuando Él permite tiempos difíciles en sus vidas. Busca las cosas buenas que vendrán después de la tormenta. Pensamiento clave: Dios nos ama, incluso cuando vengan los tiempos difíciles. Job 1:13-22, Job 42:10-17 30
Transformado por Gail Cartee Una oruga verde subía a la acera. Thomas buscó algo para tomarla y se la llevó a su casa. “Mamá, mira lo que encontré!” Mamá paró de hacer la cena. “Es una oruga muy grande. Ponla en tu jaula de insectos y mas tarde buscaremos en línea mas acerca de orugas.” Después de la cena, Thomas vio a la oruga tejiendo su capullo en la esquina de la jaula. “Por la mañana ya estará adentro de su capullo,” dijo mamá. “Cuanto tiempo estará allí?” preguntó Thomas. “Observemos y ya verás.” Thomas checó la jaula cada día por un tiempo. El otoño se tornó en invierno y el invierno en primavera, pero el capullo aún no parecía tener vida. “La oruga está muerta,” dijo Thomas. “Mejor la voy tirar.” Mama solo sonrió. En la escuela, Thomas vio a la señora Hope, la consejera escolar, hablando con su maestra. Entonces la señora Hope volteó hacia los niños. “Clase, tengo malas noticias. Nuestro amigo, Eli, tuvo un accidente ayer.” Lagrimas rodaron de las mejillas de la señora Hope. “Lo siento. Eli no sobrevivió. Por favor oren por su familia.” La clase quedó quieta mientras ella salía del salón. Cuando Thomas llegó a casa , le contó a su mamá acerca de Eli. 31
“Thomas, tengo algo que mostrarte.” Mamá llevó a Thomas a la jaula de insectos. Una mariposa Luna estaba saliendo del capullo. “ Siento mucho que tu amigo murió. Recuerdas la historia en la Biblia acerca de Lázaro?” Thomas asintió con su cabeza. ‘Sí, el estaba enfermo y murió. Después Jesús le dijo que saliera de la tumba, y el salió vivo.” “Exactamente. Tu oruga parecía muerta, pero salió de su capullo mas hermosa que nunca. Es normal estar triste. Eso es parte de perder a alguien que amamos. Jesús también estuvo triste cuando Lázaro murió.” En Juan 11:35 nos enseña que ‘Jesús lloró’ A Jesús le dolía la muerte de su amigo y que todos estuvieran tristes, ‘’ dijo Thomas Jesús también les recordó que El es la resurrección y la vida. La Creación de Jesús nos recuerda de sus promesas. Tu oruga salió hoy para recordarnos que un día Eli resucitará también. Nuestras vidas no terminan con la muerte. Un día, Jesús nos llamará de la tumba. Seremos transformados y perfectos. Luego lo recibiremos en el aire, y así estaremos siempre con el Señor y Salvador (1 Te. 4:13-18). Juan 11:25, 26; Juan 11:39-45; 1 Tes. 4:13-18 1 Tes. 4:16-17: 16“El Señor mismo descenderá del cielo con voz de mando, con voz de arcángel y con trompeta de Dios, y los muertos en Cristo resucitarán primero. 17 Luego los que estemos vivos, los que hayamos quedado, seremos arrebatados junto con ellos en las nubes para encontrarnos con el Señor en el aire. Y así estaremos con el Señor para siempre” (NVI). 32
Papá se mudó por Mary Jane Cobble Downs Davie salió de la puerta delantera de la casa y se sentó en los escalones, tirando fuertemente su pelota de béisbol a su guante. Después de unos minutos, Davie dijo: “Mamá, ¿por qué tuvo que morirse Papá?” Mamá meneó la cabeza. “No lo sé, hijo.” “Nosotros oramos y yo creí que Dios lo sanaría. ¿Por qué no lo sanó Dios?” “Yo no sé por qué Dios se llevó a tu papá al cielo en vez de sanarlo aquí en la tierra,” dijo Mamá. “Pero sé que Dios sabe lo que Él está haciendo, aunque nosotros no lo entendamos. Su sabiduría es mucho más grande que la nuestra.” “Pero extraño tanto a Papá y ahora no lo podré ver otra vez,” dijo Davie. “Sus ojos se llenaron de lágrimas.” “Davie, eso no es cierto. Verás otra vez a tu papá. Él le pidió a Jesús entrar en su corazón cuando era adolescente y tú le pediste a Jesús entrar en tu corazón el año pasado. El pastor Juan los bautizó a los dos de ustedes juntos, ¿te acuerdas?” “Sí, señora.” Mamá le dio palmaditas al hombro de Davie. “En la Biblia, Jesús dice que Él está preparando un lugar y que todos Sus seguidores estarán allí juntos con Él para siempre. Tu papá acaba de mudarse al cielo antes que nosotros. Lo veremos luego cuando sea nuestro turno mudarnos para allá.” 33
“Así que, Papá está viviendo en un lugar diferente donde no lo podemos ver, pero ¿aún vive y está viviendo con Jesús?” preguntó Davie. “Sí, hijo, tu papá simplemente cambió de lugares.” “Pero, ¿quién me va a ayudar practicar béisbol y llevarme a los partidos?” “Pues, yo siempre estoy aquí,” dijo Mamá, “y tu entrenador y los otros jugadores ya han ofrecido ayudar. Y no se te olvide que tu tío Joey y a tu tío Sam aman el béisbol tanto como tú. ¿Por qué no los invitas a ellos venir a jugar contigo? Nadie jamás reemplazará a tu papá. Pero otros están listos ayudar, si tú los dejas.” Davie pensó en eso y se sonrió. “¿Quieres jugar a tiranos la pelota, Mamá?” “Me encantaría, pero no soy tan buena como tu papá.” “Está bien, Mamá,” Davie dijo, “yo te enseñaré.” ¿Has perdido a uno de tus padres a causa de la muerte? Encuentra a personas que te hagan sentirte cómodo/a, y diles cómo te sientes. Tal vez no siempre tengan las respuestas que buscas, pero te consolarán mientras estés buscando. Si no conoces a nadie así, escribe tus pensamientos en un diario hasta que alguien esté disponible. Durante los tiempos difíciles, es muy importante expresar tus pensamientos en vez de llevarlos dentro de ti. Juan 14:1-3 Juan 14:3: “Y, si me voy y se lo preparo, vendré para llevármelos conmigo. Así ustedes estarán donde yo esté” (NVI). Los seguidores de Dios van al cielo. 34
Buena respuesta por Darcy Hendrick Sage buscaba en los estantes de la despensa. “¿Dónde están mis comidas de refrigerio?” Brock, su hermano mayor, y su madre se dieron una mirada preocupada. “¿Dónde está Ethan?” Brock salió disparado por la puerta y arriba por las escaleras al cuarto de Ethan. “¡Mamá!” Brock apresuradamente bajó las escaleras, Ethan inconsciente en sus brazos. Su madre y Sage se apuraban para entrar al corredor. “Sage, consigue la jeringa de epinefrina. Brock, acuéstalo en el sofá.” Dentro de unos segundos, le inyectaron la jeringa de epinefrina al muslo de Ethan, llamaron al “911” y los trabajadores de emergencias médicas venían en camino. “Alergia estúpida,” se desahogó Sage. “Niño estúpido,” dijo Brock en voz baja. Pero su madre lo escuchó. “¡Brock!” “Yo sé, Mamá. Es que…¿cuántas veces vamos a tener que soportar esto? ¿Y qué tal si una de estas veces, lleguemos muy tarde?” Brock expresó un temor que todos tenían. Todos excepto Ethan de seis años que seguía ignorando su alergia a ciertas comidas y comía comidas que tal vez le quitarían la vida. 35
Luego esa noche, los hermanos jugaban a las carreras con sus carritos alrededor de la pista de uno de los videojuegos favoritos de Ethan mientras él estaba sentado en cama. “¡Gané otra vez! Ya van tres veces seguidas,” aclamó Ethan. “Sí, te oigo,” dijo Brock riéndose. “Bueno, por lo menos tú oyes,” murmuró Ethan. “Dios nunca oye.” “¿Qué quieres decir?” preguntó Brock. “Sigo orando para que esta alergia estúpida se vaya, pero Dios no oye.” Brock estaba sentado en la cama de Ethan. “¿Comes comida a escondidas que no debes comer para probarle a Dios?” Ethan dijo desafiante, “Claro, y ¿por qué no? Le pido a Dios todo el tiempo, pero a Él no le importa.” “¿Sabes de lo que me di cuenta hoy?” Brock no esperó una respuesta. “Me di cuenta qué tanto extrañaría tiempos como estos si tú no estuvieras. Aunque me vuelves loco, eres uno de mis personas favoritas para pasar tiempo. Con cada reacción alérgica, tengo mucho miedo que te voy a perder.” Ethan sentado, estaba estupefacto. “O sea, ¿el hecho de que yo tengo esta alergia hace que te preocupes más por mí?” Brock se sonrió. “Me preocuparía de todos modos, pero tu alergia me hace querer pasar más tiempo contigo.” “Así que, tal vez Dios sí oye y le importo,” dijo Ethan. “Si yo tuviera que escoger entre no tener esta alergia o tener menos tiempo contigo, yo escogería esta alergia estúpida sin pensarlo.” “Buena respuesta,” dijo Brock con una sonrisa. ¿Te preguntas si Dios oye, o si lo hace, si a Él le importas? ¿Oras pero Dios no quita la dificultad? Dios dice que Él puede usar TODAS LAS COSAS, eso significa incluso las cosas malas, para nuestro bien si somos suyos. Para Ethan, eso significaba pasar más tiempo con su hermano mayor 36
que valorizaba a Ethan más a causa de la peligrosa alergia de comida. Lo bueno que Dios tal vez traiga no siempre es fácil verlo, pero podemos confiar en Dios. Cuando Él dice que usará todas las cosas para bien, habrá cosas buenas. Romanos 8:28 “Ahora bien, sabemos que Dios dispone todas las cosas para el bien de quienes lo aman, los que han sido llamados de acuerdo con su propósito” (NVI) 37
La esperanza a través de las lágrimas por Cindy Lynn Sawyer Sammy se despertó al sonido de ¡pa! y chisporroteo de fuego. El humo cortante lo sufocaba. Sus ojos se esforzaban para encontrar la puerta. Al salirse de la cama, se tropezó con su mochila y se cayó al piso. En ese momento, se acordó que su papá decía que el humo sube. Su papá le había dicho: “Si te encuentras atrapado en un fuego, cáete al suelo para el aire respirable.” Teniendo un bombero como papá tenía sus beneficios. Sammy se quedó cerca al suelo. De repente, alguien lo recogió y unos brazos fuertes lo rodearon. “¡Mantén los ojos cerrados y la cabeza agachada!” una voz varonil le ordenó. “Tenemos que saltar.” El corazón de Sammy pulsaba apresuradamente, pero él obedeció. Oyó al hombre destrozar la ventana. El hombre apretó hacia sí a Sammy y saltó por la ventana con él. Sammy se sintió cayendo, envuelto por los brazos del hombre. ¡Pum! Una caída dura a la tierra sacó el aire de los pulmones de Sammy. Sammy se dio vuelta. Las lágrimas le ardían los ojos. Su mamá lo abrazó mientras él intentaba recobrar el aliento. El hombre que había salvado a Sammy gemía, acostado en la tierra. 38
Las personas rodeaban al hombre. Otro hombre condujo a Sammy y a su mamá al hospital. Luego esa noche, Sammy supo que no solamente había perdido su casa pero también a su papá en un fuego incontrolado. Sammy no pudo evitar cuestionar a Dios.” “Mamá,” preguntó él, “¿por qué Dios nos salvó a nosotros pero no a Papá?” “Oh, Sammy,” Mamá dijo con ojos llorosos; lo abrazó. “El mundo no siempre es seguro.” Ella suspiró profundamente. “¿Te acuerdas del hombre que te rescató?” El nudo en la garganta de Sammy no le dejaba hablar, así que solamente afirmó con la cabeza. Mamá dijo: “Se quebró las piernas cuando saltó de la ventana contigo. Él arriesgó su vida para salvarte. Tu papá hizo lo mismo por otros.” “Pero Papá no debió haberse muerto.” Las lágrimas se desbordaron en las mejillas de Sammy. Mamá cuidadosamente alzó la barbilla de Sammy hasta mirarse a los ojos el uno al otro. “Sammy, la Biblia dice que no hay más grande amor que el dar su vida por otros. Jesús murió por nosotros para que algún día podamos vivir en un mundo que ya no esté quebrantado. Dónde no habrá más dolor ni tristeza.” Sammy arrojó sus brazos alrededor del cuello de Mamá y lloró. “Quiero a Papá devuelta.” Mamá lo agarró muy de cerca. “Yo también. Bastante.” ¿Has perdido a alguien cercano a ti? El perder a alguien que amas puede hacer que tu corazón duela por mucho tiempo. Vivimos en un mundo 39
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