Never Alone

Read: Isaiah 41:10; Matthew 28:20 Hattie stopped in front of the toy shop at the mall. The white tiger in the display had a pink ballerina tutu and little pink toe shoes that laced around its ankles with sparkly pink ribbon. “Mom, look!” called Hattie. But when Hattie looked around, Mom was nowhere in sight. Hattie’s heart dropped and her head got spinny like when she first rode the rollercoaster at the theme park. Taking a couple of steps out into the mall, she looked both ways. No Mom. She was alone. Hattie squeezed back tears and prayed, Dear Jesus, please help me find Mom! Then she remembered the verse they’d read during devotions that morning. “Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God.” Hattie took a deep breath and blew it out slowly. She knew she should stay put and not wander off. Mom couldn’t have gone very far and would be looking for her too. She remembered Mom’s words: If you’re ever lost, stay calm and find a trustworthy adult. Hattie scanned the mall. It was very busy, and there were lots of adults walking fast. Mom had told her to look for someone with a security uniform or a worker with a name badge. There were no security people that she could see, so she walked into the toy store and up to the counter. The girl who was ringing up a customer at the register had a nametag on. Hattie spoke up in a loud voice. “Excuse me! Can you please help me? I’m lost.” The worker immediately called mall security, and the customer put her arm around Hattie. “You are so brave! We’ll find your mom right away.” When the security people arrived, Hattie gave them her mom’s cell phone number. She was glad Mom had made her memorize it. Soon Mom rushed into the store to get her. “Oh, Hattie!” Mom cried, scooping her up into a big hug. “I was so worried! All I could think about was you in this big mall all by yourself.” “Don’t worry, Mom!” said Hattie. “I wasn’t alone. Jesus is always with me, and He helped me remember what to do.” –Kelly Hollman How about you? Have you ever been lost? Have there been times when it felt like you were all alone? At times like that, remember that Jesus is always with those who trust in Him. You can go to Him in prayer anytime and receive His peace and strength. He sacrificed His life to save you when you were lost in sin, and He will never leave you. You are never alone. Today's Key Verse: Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will help you; I will hold on to you with my righteous right hand. (CSB) Isaiah 41:10 Today's Key Thought: Jesus is always with you