Spring Break

Submitted by Lara Cook

But, indeed, for this reason I have allowed you to remain, in order to show you My power and in order to proclaim My name through all the earth.  Exodus 9:16 
This past week while I was on vacation with my kids for Spring Break, I saw the movie Rise of the Guardians for the first time.  I know I am a little late since this movie has been out for a while but I truly enjoyed watching this movie and the way it made me feel like a kid again. 

It was a typical childhood movie about good and evil with Santa Clause (North), the Tooth Fairy (Tooth), The Easter Bunny (Bunnymund) and the Sandman all being the Guardians.  They were called the Guardians because it is their duty to protect children and keep dreams safe.  The evil Pitch – who gives children bad dreams – is out to keep the Guardians from their duties.  The Guardians only have power as long as the children believe.  Pitch is out to take away their faith in the Guardians by capturing all the tooth fairy’s little helper fairies so no teeth are collected from under pillows, and other vicious feats to discredit all of the childhood icons.  

There is one more character who is not one of the Guardians.  Jack Frost was at one time a real boy.  He died when saving his sister from falling through ice in a frozen lake.  He only remembers rising out of the frozen lake to the bright full moon overhead from which he believes he gets his power to freeze things.  He is a little dark and brooding because he doesn’t know who he is, where he came from, or what his purpose is.  He repeatedly asks the “man in the moon” with only silence in return.  The Guardians summon him and tell him that the “man in the moon” told them that he was to become a Guardian and help them defeat Pitch.  Jack doesn’t understand how they can get an answer from the mysterious one in control and he never gets a response.  He also does not think he is special enough to be a Guardian or help them win the battle.  Of course in the end, good prevails and Pitch is defeated. 

Just What is My Purpose??????
There were many parallels and great themes in the movie, but there was one line in this movie that really caught my attention.  Jack said to the “man in the moon”, “You put me here, the least you could do is tell me why!”  First let me say that the “man in the moon”, although seeming to be a deity-like character, cannot really be compared to God.  The children put their faith in the Guardians, not the “man in the moon” and when they stop believing, the mythical heroes all grow weak.  Thankfully that is not how our God works.  He never loses power, even when we lose faith.  He is the same yesterday, today, and forever.  When I am weak, He is strong.  

Although the Man in the Moon may not be compared to God, it just struck me that so often I have found myself saying those words to God.  I may be in a situation and know, I mean really KNOW, that I am exactly where God wants me but for the life of me, I cannot see His purpose or plan.  That is the hardest place to be, especially if it is a difficult situation.  That is when faith sustains us.  These are the days that only by faith can you put one foot in front of the other and function.  Faith can give us the strength to persevere.  You know God loves you, even when you may not feel that is true.  You know He works all things together for good.  He wants happiness and joy, peace and freedom for you.  If you are in a place in your life and you know God is in control and has you right where He wants you, I challenge you to stay strong in your faith.  Keep believing and keep praying.  Keep petitioning God to give you strength to endure and don’t be hesitant to ask Him to show you what His purpose and plan is.  It only took Jack Frost 300 years to figure out his purpose.  At least we don’t have to wait that long!

Scripture to Claim:
Many plans are in a man's heart, But the counsel of the LORD will stand.  Proverbs 19:21