BVOV Magazine 2013 - present

Commander Kellie’s Corner I declare this “Superkid September!” It’s going to be awesome, amazing, thrilling and adventurous! I don’t know exactly what’s ahead for you, Superkid, but I am pretty sure there will be change involved. September is a month of change. So, let’s talk about change. Maybe you’re starting school this month, or heading into middle school! Or, maybe you’re even starting a NEW school—in a new town even. Yikes! That can be a scary change! And speaking of moving, that, too, can be a huge change! Changing friends, family dynamics or relationships can all be tough. Just thinking about these possibilities can seem stressful. I’m bringing this up, because change IS going to happen. Big changes, little changes, life changes and even diaper changes! Yes, I almost left that one out, but some of you will be blessed with a baby brother or sister this very month! Congratulations! For whatever change you go through, I applaud you. And so does your heavenly Father. You see, He is all about change. Yes, God’s Word says He never changes. But He does expect us to change. Change is inevitable, it’s a challenge, and it’s good. Let’s examine each of these. Change Is Inevitable. What does that mean? Literally, inevitable means “you can’t avoid it, it’s sure to happen, occur or come.” CHANGE IS A FACT OF LIFE! Look at Jesus, and imagine what His disciples were thinking in John 12-17. They figured His ministry was going great, and things were going well for the whole team! People were showing up to hear Him preach and were being healed. It was a real success! Then, suddenly, Jesus begins talking about going to see the Father! What? Jesus, You can’t just leave! We need You! But Jesus knew what they really needed—someone just like Him who could live inside them. Who was it? You guessed it, Superkid. He was the Holy Spirit! His presence changed everything and everyone! Even though the disciples had no idea it was coming, God had change in mind for centuries! Wonder what He has in mind for you, Superkid? Whatever it is, change is a challenge. Change Is a Challenge. When change knocks at your door, how will you answer? What will you do? If you want to win, decide now. You may not know what challenges are ahead, and you don’t need to. You do need to know that God loves you, Jesus will never leave you, and the Holy Spirit will talk you through it. Like players on sports teams trust their coaches, you can trust the Lord. When you decide ahead of time to trust God as your helper and coach, you win. Even when a situation doesn’t turn out like you thought it would, He will tell you how to handle it and make sure you come out of that change better than you went in. Some changes we can’t control. If your best friend moves away, for example, you can’t change that. But if you’ve already made the decision to trust God, He can help you deal with it. You’ll still feel sad, but the Lord will bring you peace, and eventually a new bestie. Think again about the disciples! Their best friend was moving to heaven! They didn’t realize it then, but He was going to be able to live inside them. He helped them through it, and He can help you through it, too. Change Is Good. How is change good? We grow! Every time we trust the Lord, we grow up a little. The disciples began to know what their new life would look like as Jesus and the Holy Spirit walked them through it. They matured. Even though some changes are sad, let’s not forget that some changes are great! God has a good plan for our lives, and as we trust and obey, He will walk us straight through. The disciples had no idea they would be better off with Jesus gone, but they had to trust Him when He told them, “I tell you the truth, anyone who believes in me will do the same works I have done, and even greater works, because I am going to be with the Father” (John 14:12, "New Living Translation"). One of those disciples was Peter. When Jesus was preparing to go to the cross, He tried to help Peter through this change. He not only told Peter what was coming, but that he was going to make it! In John 14:1 ("NLT"), Coach Jesus even told Peter: “Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me.” It didn’t look like it was working when Peter was arguing with Jesus or denying Him. But in First and Second Peter, we see a person who grew strong by listening to Jesus. Peter encourages us not to trust our flesh, but to trust Jesus. In a time of stress and change, Peter learned to walk with God. He tells us we can trust Jesus with our lives, “and anyone who trusts in him will never be disgraced” (1 Peter 2:6, "NLT"). So how about it, Superkid? Can you make a decision to trust in Jesus, no matter what comes? To let Him lead and guide you through every season of change? You’ll never regret it. When you trust Him, you’ll begin to know Him as your best friend, and Satan, the enemy of your life, cannot shake you. Now that is when life gets sweet and adventurous! Ready for some adventures, Superkid? Then put your life in His hands and say, “Bring it on! With Jesus, I’m ready for anything!” ♥ Kellie Copeland: An outreach minister at Kenneth Copeland Ministries, she is the developer of the Superkid Academy curriculum. Through her ministry and as “Commander Kellie,” she fulfills the mission of drawing people of all ages into a personal, growing and powerful relationship with Jesus Christ. BVOV : 15

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