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Becoming Childlike

At that time the disciples came to Jesus, saying, “Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” And calling to him a child, he put him in the midst of them and said, “Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.

-Matthew 18:1-4 (ESV)

 

Kids believe whatever they hear, are extremely dependent, and good children are under authority. These were the three talking points from Pastor Aram’s message on becoming more childlike in our relationship with God. When God speaks we should never question it but believe it. As we grow older we begin to lose a little faith and we miss the simplicity of believing and receiving. Our kids depend on us to live, I can guarantee you I would give anything to depend on my parent’s bank account right now, their health insurance, their bills, their cars, their gas… I can actually say I still depend on my own mother and father and my husbands for emotional, moral, and financial support at times. The truth is we never stop needing our parents. We should never stop needing our ultimate Father either.

Our children learn from us. They listen to us (most of the time) and they love us. Just like children, our Father listens to us, our Father loves us, and our Father corrects us. He has given us guidance through His Son, His word, and the Holy Spirit. He has given us correction through trials and fires of this world. He hears our cries, prayers, and praises as we reach to Him. He desires a relationship with each and every one of us just as we do our own children.  

Over the last 24 hours I have needed my God and my childlike faith more than ever. My year and a half old nephew was admitted into the hospital yesterday afternoon and within an hour or so of being there they had to transport him to a children’s hospital and admit him there for more testing and monitoring. I had to believe in God’s word. I had to depend on His power, and I had to know that my God would deliver a miracle. I am positive over thousands of people began praying for my sweet nephew and people that didn’t even believe in God began to pray. My flesh wanted to fail me several times. I couldn’t sleep, my mind would wonder, and tears slowly fell from my face. None of this stopped me or my family from our faith in knowing that He would and was healing during this. The test did show viral infections, several, and he had to be hooked up to an iv for fluids and meds and then sedated for an MRI. Every bit of news was just more shocking and scary to me as a mother and I couldn’t even imagine how my brother and sister in law were feeling watching this unfold. Prayer in numbers and the power of prayer conquered all. The MRI showed no sign of infection in his bone and he was beginning to feel himself. The light was shining bright at the end of this day in our hearts. God is good, all the time, in His time and not yours or mine. 

There are many directions our mind goes because it becomes cluttered with lives daily troubles and struggles. We turn to everyone we know for guidance before ever asking God. We lose trust when things do not go as planned and we stop believing in Him when things don’t go our way. It isn’t our way and never will be. Just as we know what is best for our kids, our Father knows what is best for us. It is time we begin letting ourselves be God’s son or daughter and let Him hold, teach, correct, and love us in a way no one ever could or can. It is time we take a time out of our own and reflect on our behavior while moving forward in love. 

Not a day goes by that I don’t wake up and cherish the very smile that God puts on my sons face as he looks at me for reassurance in the day before we ever even get out of bed. It was just last week that I stopped and paused in a moment of his laughter to tell God how amazing of a Father He was to me and how I could not imagine how full His heart becomes to see His children smile and be filled with joy. 

My daughter has an attitude that could run an army and an independence that most adults I know can’t even manage. My niece is full of spunk and the sparkle in her eyes are a reflection of her mothers. My nephews smile and sponge-like brain of intelligence is admirable and magnificent. My older nephews, I have three, they are all so unique in their own way. Austin has a heart that is more kind and generous than any one I have ever met. Jaxson has knowledge and power in his mind that I couldn’t begin to comprehend and I could learn and listen from him for hours. Jameson is strong and thoughtful, he can put up a fight with the older kids and never misses a hug or kiss from anyone he cares about. All of these kids hold so much of my heart. The very things that make up who they are become a motivation for myself each time I get moments to create memories with them or see/hear of their progress and success from their parents. The things they all say or do are lessons to me and they don’t even know it. 

Think of every child in your life and embrace them for everything they are. Take pieces of their behavior and apply it to yourself. We are children of God and we are all unique in His image. How can we become better sons and daughters? Can we believe what God says? Can we depend on Him? Can we become good children under authority? 

 

Father,

Thank You for miracles. Thank You for blessings. Thank You for taking our hearts and healing them. Your correction is love and Your word is our wisdom. Let our light shine so that others may see our childlike faith and want to also become set free. We desire a father son and father daughter relationship with You, Lord. We love You. You supply all of our needs and Your will in us is all we desire. Use us God to better serve Your Kingdom. It is in You where we find our ultimate childlike freedom. 

In Jesus name, Amen!