Good Things

Editor’s note: Loved & Cherished is a devotional for girls ages 8-12. It is full of life-giving, encouraging, uplifting, hopeful messages of Gospel truths for their growing hearts.

Sovereign Lord, You are God! Your covenant is trustworthy, and You have promised these good things to Your servant. — 2 Samuel 7:28 NIV

Mom, did you get the email yet?”

I heard this phrase over and over as my daughter anxiously awaited audition results. Yesterday, it finally came and she made it! I can’t tell you as parents how excited my husband and I were for her. We smiled and celebrated as the talents we truly believe were created in her by God were not only recognized, but also would be further developed.

God doesn’t just want to meet you during the hard times. He wants to be included in the good ones as well.

God has promised good things for your life. I want you to know this in your head and believe it in your heart. I want you to try hard, scary things so you can fully experience His goodness as you head toward becoming an adult. You won’t always get selected but you’ll never be considered if you don’t try.

And if you don’t make it the first time? You may have to do some hard work and try more than once, and that’s okay! I watched my daughter and her friends work hard for this audition. They practiced for hours together and then even more on their own. She took additional lessons to prepare and received some tough feedback, but it made her better.

My prayer for you today is that you will trust God’s promises for good in your life and do the hard work so you can experience the joy that comes from chasing after the dreams He’s placed in your heart.

LIVING CHERISHED

Make a list of some really good things that have happened in your life since you were born. Take a moment to celebrate these moments, placing God in the picture as you think about them.

TALKING WITH GOD

God, I celebrate that You have promised good things in my life. Help me to believe this even when I can’t see them. Help me seek them knowing that You are there beside me every step of the way. In Jesus’ name, amen.

~ Michelle

Excerpted with permission from Loved and Cherished by Lynn Cowell & Michelle Nietert, copyright Lynn Cowell & Michelle Nietert.

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Your Turn

Do you remember those pre-teen years full of frustration and promise, insecurity and growth, and learning who you are in Christ Jesus? Fully His. It’s a beautiful thing for young ones to learn to give God everything — the good and the bad — and to chase the dreams He has buried in their hearts! Come share your thoughts with us on our blog. And, share this devotion with a young girl in your life! ~ Devotionals Daily