Faith's New Car
"He will give you all you need from day to day if you live for Him and make
the Kingdom of God your primary concern." (Matthew 6:33 NLT)
It seems only days since she was born. To this grandmother she was the most
beautiful newborn in the hospital nursery. Even though it came as a complete
shock to us, we loved her shining red hair. I remember at the age of two
that gorgeous red hair was curled into ringlets around her head. And her
mother always kept her adorned with a bright bow to match whatever she was
wearing for the day.
Then before we hardly realized what had happened Faith was kindergarten age.
Her khaki shorts and hunter green t-shirt with her school emblem
complimented her then long red curls. The next thing we knew, we were
hunting a prom dress for a maturing young lady who had grown into a shining
example of what a daughter and granddaughter should be. She worked hard
those school years and we watched as she claimed many school awards.
And then suddenly, it seemed, she was passing the test for a driving permit.
Our first grandchild was no longer a child, but a young adult who had
matured right before our eyes.
And then today her granddad came in with a set of keys and gave them to her.
"The car is yours," he said with a big lump in his throat. The big grin that
covered her face showed her gratefulness. As she backed out of the driveway
and headed up the street, it seemed a repeat of several years ago when her
mother did the same thing.
We are seeing the signs of adulthood as she takes the responsibility of
driving her own car. Also, the signs of spiritual growth from this first
granddaughter have come forth these past weeks and months. Just last week
she attended a Christian Camp with many of her church and school friends.
There they learned the importance of loving God and loving one another. I
now see her reading her Bible before she goes to bed at night gleaning bits
of wisdom that will be needed as she enters the world of work and higher
education.
All of us grow physically. The bodies develop and handsome young men and
beautiful young women replace the awkward stages of adolescence. We, as
parents and grandparents, understand the importance of teaching them
Biblical principles, and about making God their primary concern. They must
learn to put God first in their lives and to fill their thoughts with His
desires. His character becomes their standard as they seek to obey and serve
Him.
People (their friends), objects (first cars), and goals in life must not
bump God out of first place in their lives. As her family we were all aware
that Faith must choose Jesus first. Our grown-up Faith shared that vision
with us as the car keys were transferred from Granddad’s hand to hers.
You, too, can trust God to protect you physically and grow you spiritually
when you put Him foremost in your life. Eagerly choose to let God have first
place in every area of your life.
Melva Cooper