Active Theology

“And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:20, ESV)

Our 4 year old daughter, Elsie, was having a hard time falling asleep at her grandparents’ house. I think most of us can probably relate and have memories of struggling to fall asleep at a place other than our home. We had planned to have her and her brother sleep in one room and have our youngest in the other room with us. It was quickly becoming apparent to us that this sleeping arrangement was not going to work. 

We decided to take a quick pivot and switch the kids in their rooms late at night – our two oldest would share a room with us and baby sister would get her own room. This seemed to satisfy Elsie. I told Elsie that her dad and I would be leaving the room cause we needed to get ready for bed- but I told her we would be back in not too long. She told me she would probably be awake when we got back, but she was fast asleep when we finally came back to the room. There is much comfort in knowing that someone is going to return. How much more comfort is there in knowing that God never leaves us? He is always with us. 

As Jesus is charging His apostles to go and make disciples, baptize, and teach (Matthew 28:19-20), He is reminding them that this is a mission they would not be completing on their own. He will be present with them the entire time. I’ve even heard it referred to as not only the Great Commission, but the great CO-mission. We are not alone in the mission Jesus has sent us on.

Where has God placed you this week in fulfilling this great commission? Maybe you are at home taking care of and discipling your young children as I am. Maybe you are a teacher, an electrician, a server, a nurse… no matter where the Lord has you this week. He is present with you and we should take much comfort in that.

Anyone curious if Elsie slept well in the room with us? She actually ended up waking up at 3am with a sore throat. (As a parent, I have realized that illness usually comes at the most inconvenient times – like when you are away visiting family.)  We were with her all night, but did that help her sleep any better? Honestly, it did not seem to help her much. Even though we were with her, her night was still hard. But she did manage to get some sleep knowing we were with her and caring for her through her sickness. Even though God is always with us, it doesn’t mean we won’t have hard nights, or hard days, or even hard years. But we must remind ourselves and others that He is there – a constant source of help and comfort. “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” (‭‭Psalm‬ ‭46‬:‭1‬)

Pray: God, may we always turn to you as our source of comfort in troubling times. In times when we feel discouraged and feel alone, may we be reminded that You are always there. As we are living out the great commission, may we remember You are always with us.

Song: I Know by Madison Ryann Ward

Haley is a stay-at-home mom of 3 kids. She loves illustrating, designing, coffee dates with her husband, and teaching her children about Jesus. A few of her favorite things are Coke Zero, Peanut Butter M&M’s, and TJ Maxx.