"You're doing such a good job!" I exclaimed to my 6 year old cousin. We were creek walking and I been holding her hand, stopping her from slipping into the glistening creek. Just a few minutes prior, however, she let go of my hand--wanting to prove that she could do it on her own. "Be careful!" I called out, worried she was going to slip on a rock. She immediately asked, "Why?" I could have told her that she might twist--or even break--her ankle, that she might slip and land on her arm, that she might slip and land on her head, I could have gone on and on with the dangers of it, but, thinking fast, I simply replied, "Because I love you! I don't want you to get hurt." I thought this was subtle enough, I was sure she was thinking 'get hurt' meant along the lines of getting an owie. Instead, she surprised me, "But Kayla, if I die, I'll go to Heaven! I'll see Jesus!" Her childlike faith caught me by surprise, during which, as if to assure me, she quickly added, "But I'll be careful! I know you'd miss me if I went to Jesus."
I notice childlike faith in children when I least expect it. When all I'm able to do is worry, they decide to trust. They open my eyes and gently remind me, "It's okay. You don't need to worry. God is in control." Philippians 4: 6-7 says, "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." This Bible verse doesn't promise that God will grant every request you bring to Him. But it does promise that He will be there, that He will listen, and that He will give you peace. The next time you find yourself worrying--have childlike faith. Pray about your worries, your struggles, your concerns, then have peace and faith. Peace that God is in control, faith that God knows what's best.
Kayla Joy
