Wednesday, September 2, 2009

A Child's Faith

A few weeks ago I took my children to see a new friend, this was our first visit at her home. My children enjoyed every moment especially the Labrador. My son thought this dog was the "coolest dog ever". Later that evening he continued to tell us how he loved that dog and wanted a dog just like that. He would pray that evening for a Labrador and continue to pray daily. Well over this last weekend we celebrated his birthday and the boy's prayer was answered.

I had went for my morning walk with my Beagle and suddenly a dog came out of no where and started right at me. I then noticed this tall dog was a Labrador puppy. I asked the neighbors and no one knew who she was. I continued my walk with her right by my side, she would not leave me for a moment. As I returned and walked in the door my son laid eyes on her and instantly fell in love. Of course, my mind said don't get attached she belongs to someone. However, she had no collar and had not been fed in a while with dehydration. I then realized when I was on my walk I saw two other posters "Found Yellow Labrador"and "Found Black Labrador". Still, no one has claimed these puppies, it looks as though someone has dumped a litter of 6 to 8 month old pups. My son continues to tell us that no one is going to claim her because his prayer was answered and this Labrador is a birthday present from God. Wow, I look at his faith and am reminded of Mark 10:14-15

"Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of God. Assuredly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will by no means enter it."

To have his faith, the unconditional trust.

The trust and unfailing confidence of a child in his father to direct him, as well as provide protection - and the child's only responsibility is to hold onto his father's hand.

"Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths." Prov 3:5-6

To have the mustard seed faith.

The child is like a blank slate, whatever is written on that slate he will embrace. When he hears the words of Jesus "nothing will be impossible for you." He believes with no questions.

"...if you have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you." — Matt 17:20

If we're not careful to guard our hearts, the devil will slither in to poison our minds with disappointment, failure, and regret. These doubts will trap us from the freedom that comes from taking God at His Word.

My prayer is for you and I to live with the faith of a child. To teach our children to guard their hearts and keep their incredible faith.

"Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you" Mathew 7:7

Blessings,
Cherie