Faith like a Child

by Jody Sackman

“Then Jesus called for the children and said to the disciples, “Let the children come to Me. Don’t stop them! For the Kingdom of God belongs to those who are like these children. I tell you the truth, anyone who doesn’t receive the Kingdom of God like a child will never enter it.”    Luke 18:16-17 NLT

After what seemed like the most difficult year of my life, I’m reflecting on the goodness of our God. He was patient, gentle, kind and loving.  Best of all, He showed me it was certainly OK to become that little child.  My prayers were simple.  “God, help!”  It’s truly all I had, and to our Good Father that was exactly enough.  In reflection, that is all that is required of us…to approach the Kingdom of Heaven like a child.

 I learned to:

*accept God at His Word

*approach the Kingdom as a child

*simple prayers matter

*to come as we are…broken and without big fancy words

*He will see us through

*it’s OK to tiptoe into the next day

*rely on our Good Shepherd

In the broken and in the messes of life, if we allow Him, He will use it all. In it all, I’ve learned that simplicity is truly key.  He provides us our daily bread, just enough for today.  He hides us in the shelter of His wing to keep us from harm and danger. He is who He says He is: our provider and our first love. He knows everything about us, yet loves us in spite of it all!  It’s truly OK to come as a child in all seasons, especially the ‘hard’. God is ready with open arms to accept us just as we are!

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of being able to come to You with the trust and openness of a child, knowing that You always listen and love us unconditionally, no matter what we bring to You. Amen.