One day the older kids climbed up on Grandpa’s car, so up went Anna too. Anna is a very active three-year-old and wants to keep up with her older sister and brothers.
When Grandpa called to tell them to come down off the car, the older three slid to the ground. But Anna stood on the trunk of the car with a scared look on her face. In a trembling voice she said, “I can’t get down!”
Anna was an unhappy little girl. She wanted to obey, but she had gotten herself into a spot where she needed help. Lots of people have done just what Anna did. Maybe they were looking for fun and found themselves in trouble they couldn’t get out of. Some children and teenagers think it is fun to smoke cigarettes or fool around with drugs. Then when they get older, they discover they have a bad habit that they can’t give up.
Anna was not entirely to blame for her problem. She had followed the others. The popular saying, “Everbody does it,” can get you into trouble, and the results may stay with you the rest of your life.
The Bible says, “My son, if sinners entice thee, consent thou not” (Proverbs 1:1010My son, if sinners entice thee, consent thou not. (Proverbs 1:10)). Don’t be afraid to say “NO” when a bad suggestion is made. “Go not in the way of evil men. Avoid it, pass not by it, turn from it, and pass away” (Proverbs 4:14-1514Enter not into the path of the wicked, and go not in the way of evil men. 15Avoid it, pass not by it, turn from it, and pass away. (Proverbs 4:14‑15)). After you have said “NO,” then turn and walk away from those who want you to join in their “fun.”
Acts 4:2323And being let go, they went to their own company, and reported all that the chief priests and elders had said unto them. (Acts 4:23) is a helpful verse. It tells about Peter and John being freed from prison and then says, “Being let go, they went to their own company.” If you are a Christian, stay with your Christian friends and encourage and help each other.
Are you wondering what happened to Anna who was on the car and couldn’t get down? Grandpa heard her call and came and picked her up, gave her a hug and set her down on the ground where she was safe.
It may be you are already in trouble and, like Anna, you have to say, “I can’t get down.” Get down on your knees and tell the Lord Jesus all about it. “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:99If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:9)). You may have to live with the results of your sin the rest of your life, but the Lord Jesus still loves you and will forgive you and help you to follow Him.
ML-04/29/2012