Hold My Hand!

From the moment all my kids started walking they were taught an important rule in our family. Whenever we are anywhere in public, especially by the road or a parking lot or someplace where there are a lot of people, they must hold my or Beth's hand. This is an easy way for Beth and I to lead and protect our children around potential danger. It is also an easy way to ensure they won't wonder off and get lost in a crowd of people. I love Disney World. Being from Florida we have been there on numerous occasions, as kids ourselves, on our honeymoon, and as parents with our own children. I can say that going to Disney world as an adult is still a blast but there are somethings that change when you go as a parent. The first thing you notice is how expensive everything is. I never really had a clue of this until the money for the food, toys, trinkets and souvenirs was coming out of my wallet. The second thing you notice is how important it is to stay together as a family. Surrounded by thousands of strangers, you and your family could be separated in a moments notice and the children could be in harms way before they even realized that mom and dad is gone. When we go to Disney world the kids always have to hold hands. Well I say always, but there have been a couple times that our family rule has been broken and moments of shear terror followed. I can remember one time Silas ran ahead of us when he saw one of his favorite characters and through the crowd of people I lost sight of him. For only about 15 seconds, I didn't know where he was. I wasn't there to protect him, I wasn't there to guide him. He a little 3 year old at the time was totally helpless. Finally after a few terrifying moments my eye caught sight of him. I ran as fast as I could to his side and picked him up. I must of kissed him like hundred times in the next minute and told him how much I loved him. He just looked at me like I was crazy, for he knew nothing of being separated, he thought I was there the whole time, he never thought he was in danger.

The whole thought of losing a child reminds me of God. How there are so many people out there, more than could ever fit in Disney World, just wondering around lost. Some of them purposely knowing God's presence run away from Him in disobedience, but others like Silas are just chasing their favorite character never knowing the true danger they are in. Maybe you have a friend like that. Maybe a family member that is lost, away and apart from God. Jesus said in Luke 19:10 that He came to seek and to save that which was lost. God did not just allow us to wonder off aimlessly as He continued about His business. He shook the foundations of the universe by sending Jesus to seek and to save those who had wondered. Many are still wondering and some of you reading this have been found by God. Jesus saved you, he fought through the crowd to find you, he reached down His nail scarred hands and said "hold my hand", and you did. But life isn't all about skipping around Disney World holding on to Jesus' hands. We have a mission to do as He did (Matthew 28:18-20). Though our hands don't save anybody, we can at least reach down and take people by the hand to where He is, where they can see for themselves that He is still in the business of seeking and saving. (Luke 19:10)

Think about some friends or family that are lost. Maybe they are purposely running from God, maybe they think they are following God but are all along following lies, or maybe they have no clue they are in danger and just simply think this life is all there is to offer. What is your role in their life. Who's responsibility is it to lead them to Jesus. Remember it is not your job to save them, but it is your job to lead them to Christ. Maybe that is sharing your story with them, maybe it is telling them what God is doing in your life today, or maybe it is by inviting them to a place where they can witness people engaged in worship. Begin thinking about what it is God is leading you to do.