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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 1 – Beginner)
Topic: CHILDHOOD (03/09/17)
“I can’t wait till I grow up”! Haven’t you heard that before, or at least said it yourself?

Why are we so in a rush? Do we know what we are in a rush to get to? Sometimes I ask myself these questions. I say to myself, “Joshua, what do you not have that you think you should? Where do you think you should be that you are not? Or, what position do you seek that you are not in at the moment?”



I know you’re all probably saying, “ man, this guy sure asks a lot of questions”. I do! But there is purpose for them and they are vital parts to the bridge to guide you where I want to take you. See, a lot of times we get so caught up in where we want to be, instead of realizing where we are. Looking into the future and neglecting to be grateful for the present we have been given. Causing ourselves strife, heartache, and many other ailments, over our wants and desires and lusts for things we are not ready to have.



All creation had a beginning. Every great tree was once a seed. And every mighty man of God grew from his adolescence. Let’s look at Samuel: in the book of 1 Samuel 2:18, we see the early beginnings of Samuel. It says “But Samuel ministered before the Lord, being a child”! When we read the verses preceding this, we see the conditions in which this mighty prophet of the Lord had to come up in. I mean, he was surrounded by vile men.



Men who were perverting the sacrifice of the Lord. His influences were the most wicked of men, in which the bible calls “the sons of belial”, and their father who gave way to their wickedness. Looking at this picture doesn’t portray an environment that is conducive to a young man being brought up to serve in the Lord’s house. In fact, it’s a wonder Samuel didn’t get caught up in the foolishness and suffer the same consequence as Hophni and Phineas.



We all know how impressionable children can be. Even us adults at times. But all of this was necessary. He was in the right situation to be tested of God. See, Had he not seen those things or endured the time He spent in the company of Eli and his sons, “learning”, would he have been called by God? Would the Lord have been able to look down at him and see his heart and witness him continuing to minister to him despite his surroundings or current position?



There was a plan all along. That experience in Samuels youth, prepared him for his call. He got that call and he was elevated! Or how about Joseph? If God did not allow Joseph to go down into that pit, and be imprisoned for something he didn’t do, would he have been humble enough or even have the heart to show kindness and love to his brothers when they came for help? If he wasn’t able to manage being made low, and not realizing his dream when he saw it, could he have managed being a ruler and storing up the corn and feeding the nation in the famine?



What about David? Would he have been a fit king had he not had to do the lowly job of Shepherding the sheep? The Bible clearly shows us that, what took place in their youth was of great importance. It was pertinent for the growth of the tree. There is no ending without the beginning. I look back on my youth and sometimes I think to myself about all I have come through. All that I have experienced . The pain, the lost, the setback, the backsliding, the feelings of being lost and wandering…The feeling of groping for the wall as a blind man in the dark!



It’s all necessary and a part of the process. I leave you with one more question, I promise. If it wasn’t for your adolescence, for your beginnings, for your youth…wherever you have lived, whatever you have experienced, whoever you grew up with or whatever place you may find yourself in right now, would you be who you are? I’d like to think that I’m still a child. Because it assures me that I have a Father, a Holy Father that cares for me, loves me, and knows exactly where I should be and will place me there in His timing. Let’s grow to appreciate our down time. Be blessed
The opinions expressed by authors may not necessarily reflect the opinion of FaithWriters.com.
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Member Comments
Member
Date
Shann Hall-LochmannVanBennekom 
03/17/17
You make some strong arguments. It's a bit all over though so it is hard to follow. Instead take just one spot from your life and then relate how the Bible helped you through that time or it wasn't as bad as we thought. By doing that, you could turn this essay into a fun analogy. Most important, God will use your words to touch others. Keep writing. Don't get discouraged.
Larry Whittington
03/18/17
Being where we are today is where we need to be so God can lead us to where he wants us to be tomorrow.

We not only need to know this but emotional feel this so we don't waste this day.
Phillip Cimei
03/18/17
You had a good beginning and some really good questions to answer. It is a shame that so many want to wish their youth away. This might be because they really don't have a good childhood to remember. You have the ability to encourage young people to cherish the state they are in. Keep writing and improving your skills. You have the passion. God Bless.