Look at how great a love the Father has given us that we should be called God’s children. And we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it didn’t know Him. Dear friends, we are God’s children now, and what we will be has not yet been revealed. We know that when He appears, we will be like Him because we will see Him as He is. And everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself just as He is pure.   1 John 3:1-3 HCSB

The old slogan for Toys R Us that said, “I don’t wanna grow up” suited me well. I have been resistant to growing up. Now of course as a youngster I always wanted to be older. When I was 12 I wanted to be 15 so I could drive. When I was 15, I wanted to be 18 so I could move out on my own. But I soon came to realize that being grown up is seriously overrated. I long for the days when my parents were here to care for me and provide for my needs. I miss my dad. I miss shopping with my mom and taking trips. With her dementia, I wonder if she even remembers the good times we had when we travelled. I had no idea that high school would be some of the best years of my life. It was a time when life was carefree. I went to school, started college and worked two jobs that I considered to be fun, life was good.

Now, I’m not saying that my life is not good now. I’m just saying that there is a lot to be said for your parents taking care of all the grown up stuff and you only having to concern yourself with part-time jobs and school. I see these young people graduating and getting phenomenal scores on the their ACTs and I think “Wow, you can be whatever you want to be when you grow up.”

But then at look at my life and there are times when I am still unsure what I want to be when I grow up, that is if I ever do. But God has the answer for that. God knew what I would be, how I would be, and what I would do before my parents even had any idea that I would be here at all. I am His child. He knows me well. He knows my thoughts and what is deep in my heart. He knows how many hairs are on my head. He watches over me and takes good care of me. And He knows what I will be when I finally grow up.

So, how about you? Do you feel grown up and mature? Do you feel as though you have done what God has called you to do or are doing what God has called you to do? I was blessed to be able to retire at the age of 45. I remember thinking about what my next job or adventure would be. I remember meeting people and finding out what they did and thinking how I might like to do that when I grow up. But God had other plans. God had plans for me to be a caregiver. Now, let me say that if you had asked me what I would be when I grew up that was the last thing I would have told you. I am not patient, I sometimes lack compassion, but God gives me what I need to get the job done.

So, have you grown up? Are you doing what you pictured yourself doing? How is that working out for you?

I have fought growing up, but I have learned one thing, as long as I grow in God, He will take care of the rest. When He calls me to complete a task, He will equip me to do it. He will give me the strength and the endurance needed to get through it.

Our scripture passage says that what we will be has not yet been revealed. I know that God is still working on me. I also know that there will come a day when I will be like Him. I will be whisked away to a world where I am cared for by a loving Father in heaven. The sin that used to be a part of my daily life will be replaced by righteousness.

I know God is not finished with me yet, but I also know that He has begun a work in me and He will carry it to completion (Philippians 1:6). I don’t know what stage of the game you are in. Maybe you have not trusted in Jesus and began the work He has intended for you down here. Maybe you are new to Christianity and are still finding your way. Maybe you have received your assignment and are scratching your head wondering how you will do it.  Maybe you have received your job assignment and are working diligently. Whatever stage you are in, know that you are His child. There is no escaping that and why would you want to? He loves you and He wants you to grow and mature in Him so that you may enjoy the riches that He has to offer. Won’t you trust in Him and begin to grow in Him? You were made for that. When we try to do anything else it can stunt our growth. Growing up may not be so much fun, but growing in Christ will strengthen us and give us the endurance to be able to withstand whatever comes our way.

Have a great day!