This is what the Lord says: “Let not the wise boast of their wisdom or the strong boast of their strength or the rich boast of their riches, but let the one who boasts boast about this: that they have the understanding to know me, that I am the Lord, who exercises kindness, justice and righteousness on earth, for in these I delight,” declares the Lord. -Jeremiah 9:23-24
Here in Canada, it is easy for us to be self-reliant and for us to boast or be proud of our wisdom, strength and riches. However, when I look back at my times in the Golden Triangle, what impressed me most was that the children and ministry leaders alike all truly wanted to know Jesus. They had daily personal devotions and then each night, they worshipped together. During the evening worship services, there was always time for anyone to share a testimony. It was these times that I treasured! To hear the kids recount a brief story, moment, thought or Bible verse where they saw God and His kindness or teaching, truly blessed my heart.
One evening, we heard several children share their testimonies before their baptism the next day. These children come from difficult backgrounds and I expected them to share how they felt abandoned by their parents or bitter towards their parents for exposing them to dangerous situations or else not caring for them at all. I expected them to share how they were a victim and then how God helped them forgive and become survivors. But I was wrong! Not one child mentioned their vulnerable pasts. Instead, they shared stories of transformation such as how one used to fight with the other children and no longer does because God has helped that one become a child of peace.
Let us come as children and seek to know God, who exercises kindness, justice and righteousness on earth. May we find delight in what delights the Lord’s heart.
