And Jesus asked the boy’s father, “How long has this [demonic bondage and terror] been happening to him?” And he said, “From childhood.”‭‭Mark‬ ‭9:21‬ ‭ESV‬‬

Robin Williams once played an aged Peter Pan in the movie Hook. When one of the lost boys came face to face with this once hero and friend, he pulled back the wrinkled skin on Pan’s face and said “Oh, there you are, Peter!” 

The ever-young Pan was hidden deep inside an old man. His playful youth needed to be released again. 

Sometimes adults forget what it’s like to be young. At best we have selective memories of what we claim to be our glory days, but we rarely pay attention to the voices of today’s young people. 

Today’s generation has much to offer! And much to learn! – just like every generation that preceded them. Yet, they are largely ignored by their predecessors. 

Mark shared about the day that Jesus encountered a boy who had been demonized since childhood. This kid was still young enough to be called a boy, but already had years of oppression holding him back. 

Children often have real problems. Big ones. 

• Sometimes children’s problems are physical – this kid was deaf and mute. 
• Sometimes children’s problems are spiritual – this kid had demons tormenting him. 
• Sometimes children’s problems are emotional – today’s generation experiences greater depression, anxiety, fear, and medication than any other. 

Not all children are deeply troubled, but all children are real people with real struggles who need real answers, real love, and a real relationship with God. 

Look around your life. Where are the children? Who are the children? How can you pray for them and inspire them?

Where are the lost boys? Better yet, where is Peter Pan?