So, today Jaedyn, you were confirmed. You promised that you will stay faithful to God and strengthen your faith by regularly spending time in the Bible and receiving the Lord’s Supper. That is such a marvelous commitment. That’s the same promise that your grandmother and I made 59 years ago. Some things have changed since 1966, but what I want to share with you is from God’s word and has never and will never change.

Jeremiah tells us in chapter one verse 5, Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you, and before you were born, I set you apart. I appointed you to be a prophet to the nations. Jaedyn, before you even existed, God loved you. He knew everything about the person you would become–the person who today is promising to stay close to him. He has given you faith and all the special gifts you will need to make good on that promise. He guided everything in your life to help you understand how much he loves you, and now, in response you are saying, “Yes, I will follow you.”

The Bible also tells us that when a believer steps out in faith, as you are doing Jaedyn, that someone else catches the scent, Be alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. 1 Peter 5:8. When you think about this, why wouldn’t Satan start to track you in all parts of your life. He knows you almost as well as God does. He knows your weaknesses and your doubts. And his goal is the same as it was with Eve way back in the Garden when he caused doubt about God with the simple question, “Did God really say …”

Jaedyn, as troubled as you may be about the devil’s intentions, the passage you chose for your confirmation shares the assurance: So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. (Isaiah 41:10) Simply put, God is always there for you, but not as an observer. All through your life he will be there to strengthen, help, and uphold you. And if you find yourself wandering, God will run after you to bring you closer to him because he loves you.

Jaedyn, I pray for God’s blessings on today and always. And no matter what happens, no matter how you feel, always remember, Jesus has faced what you will face. He has endured what you will to endure. And he has already beaten whatever it is that you will battle. We love you, but Jesus loves you more.