A few years ago we went to watch the Premier of Finding Dory, a Disney Film. We love to watch movies at the drive in theater, even though it is a 45 minute drive. There’s something so fun about loading up the truck with chairs, blankets and kids and heading out for a fun family night! The theater was packed that night and I felt so silly as the final scene of the movie played out before me. I could barely contain myself. Sobs threatened to escape as tears streamed steadily down my face. This is a kids movie for crying out loud! What is wrong with me!?! That’s when God spoke to my heart.

Finding Dory is such a cute movie. The lovable character is forever forgetting everything. She can barely even remember who she is. She knows she’s lost but can’t find her way. She knows she has forgotten something but just can’t remember what it is. As I watched Finding Dory last night, God showed me a wonderful lesson in this animated film. The “parent’s” never gave up hope that Dory would remember and find her way home, using the “markers” they left behind for her to follow. If you haven’t seen the movie you may not want to watch this clip- it does give away the ending. But it is such a powerful clip I had to share it. The graphics in this clip are not the same quality as the movie. If you have a chance to watch the whole movie, I highly recommend it!

So here’s what the Lord showed me in those final moments of the movie: For my friends with a prodigal. Or with children of any age. None of it was in vain. All the struggles to make it to church. Sunday school lessons, VBS, Bible studies, all those little teaching moments with your kids as they grew. All the times you took to explain Holy Spirit, Love, Forgiveness, and Obedience. This is what the Lord says: NONE of it was in vain! For some prodigals it’s an all at once revelation. For others it’s going to be a slow process. But NONE of it is in vain. They WILL remember. One day they WILL remember who they are! WHOSE they are! We just have to keep believing! Trust in the Lord! Praise HIM! He’s got this!

• Proverbs 16:9 (NIV)In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.

• Proverbs 16:3 (NIV)Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.

• Proverbs 3:6 (NIV)in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.

• Hebrews 10:23 (NIV)Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.

• Psalms 145:17 (NIV)The Lord is righteous in all his ways and faithful in all he does.

The Bible contains countless scripture referring to the promises of God. His faithfulness to His Word is unending. Never give up hope!

All rights to “Finding Dory” belong to Disney Films.

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