Matthew 18: 2-4 Then Jesus called a little child to Him, set him in the midst of them, 3 and said, “Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven. 4 Therefore whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.
In the recent weeks, I have been going on a journey rediscovering and relearning much about my own Christian faith- I must admit that I was not consciously reflecting on these deep truths during the recent years. Very slowly yet surely I had taken my eyes off God as my all in all and was leaning on my own strength to get by in life. So much like trying to plough a field with a tractor that has its ignition turned off. How much produce can such a life yield when our energy is consumed by just getting by and working hard? Am afraid, I have been living in a season of just enough. A season where my strength and not God’s was on display. A season where my human wisdom and prowess seemed more logical to lean on than God’s timeless wisdom for everything that concerns my life. A season where God seemed distant, my patience wore away and impatience and quick action became the norm. I fooled myself into believing that I was still leading a Christian life. It is frightening to realize that the slow fade was barely noticeable. I was still doing church, leading the singing, praying with Christian friends. I was still “doing” THE Christian life!!
The slow fade I mention today happens to every Christian yet not every Christian is aware of it. Yet God was calling me to get back to the basics: to have faith like a child. Trusting, innocent, wildly anticipatory, with a heart that knows that my Father can always be trusted, that He gives good gifts, that He has exciting adventures in store for me.
Our son is six years old and he thoroughly enjoys his time with his daddy. My husband takes him on tram and bus rides because my son enjoys these. Since summer the two go often to the beach together, eat ice cream, my husband buys our son small, thoughtful toys as presents. Our son waits expectantly for the time when his father winds up with his day’s work. He waits with excitement because he knows they are going to go on another adventure together. He trusts my husband will do him no harm. Our son trusts that my husband knows what he (our son) likes and that he (my husband) is mindful of it.
Trusting. Eager. Expectant. Excited. Waiting for time with daddy. He has full confidence in his father. He knows his father will not disappoint him. That his father will keep his word, when he promises our son something. He trusts his dad will not hurt him or harm him. When his father arrives home from work, my son’s face lights up. He is waiting all day for this moment when he can spend quality time with his dad.
Can such a child-like total abandon be found in the way each of us relate to our Heavenly Father?
I must admit, I have been far from such a place the last few months. God had to bring me to a place where I realized I was messed up by myself and needed a God-sized Hand to transform and set me on a path of new beginnings.
I don’t know about you or about your journey with the Lord, but I know our Heavenly Father can be trusted. Draw near to Him like a child. Trusting. In total abandon. He longs for you to return to Him and He waits with open arms.
Your constant striving on your own strength is unnecessary. God has a plan and purpose for you. As you draw near to Him, He reveals His grand purpose for you step by step. He brings people to support you in the process. He brings help. He brings all the resources you need. He sustains you so you can persevere. He ensures that every project that is God breathed is completed. In His timing, in His own way.
It is so freeing to trust in Jesus.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I want this life: of total surrender to Your will for my life. Your Word says that every plan you have for me is good and will give me hope and a future. You are so mindful of even the smallest things that concern me. Your love for me is unconditional. I want to surrender my all into Your all knowing Hands and will. I want to go where You ask me to go. I want to be totally surrendered to Your will and remain in Your Hand as You carry out Your purpose in me. Stir my heart today and return me back to You- body, soul, spirit and will. In Jesus’ Name, amen.