Romans 4: 18-22 (NLT) 18 Even when there was no reason for hope, Abraham kept hoping—believing that he would become the father of many nations. For God had said to him, “That’s how many descendants you will have!” 19 And Abraham’s faith did not weaken, even though, at about 100 years of age, he figured his body was as good as dead—and so was Sarah’s womb. 20 Abraham never wavered in believing God’s promise. In fact, his faith grew stronger, and in this he brought glory to God. 21 He was fully convinced that God is able to do whatever he promises. 22 And because of Abraham’s faith, God counted him as righteous.
I don’t think I really, really understand faith. I am convinced that “faith like a child” that Jesus spoke of is much simpler than I make it out to be, in all my maturity and wisdom. (sarcasm implied)
My son Jake understands faith. I think he has faith like Abraham. If God said it, that’s enough for him. There are no questions and no doubts. Just faith. By the way, he’s 10 years old.
No, I think I’ve spent my whole life trying to squelch exactly what God puts in us as children. I so wanted to be “grown up” and a “big boy” that, somehow, I’ve let my faith be tempered by reason, understanding, and feasibility. OK… I just scared myself writing that down. Check out what Jesus said on this very topic.
Matt 19:14 ESV 14 but Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven.”
Luke 10:21 NLT 21 At that same time Jesus was filled with the joy of the Holy Spirit, and he said, “O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, thank you for hiding these things from those who think themselves wise and clever, and for revealing them to the childlike. Yes, Father, it pleased you to do it this way.”
How foolish of me to think this way. How prideful of me to think this way. Do I really think God only works and can work in the confines of what I understand? Do I really want a God that is limited by my own imagination? Not me. Sometimes, I think Papa just sits up on his throne and says about me “Bless his cotton-pickin’ heart. He has NO IDEA what I am capable of.”
Lord, I repent of my sin… my idiotic pride that has led me down a limiting and narrow view of You. I pray for faith. Help me exercise my faith this week Lord. I cast off all the preconceived ideas and pre-built boxes I’ve put you in being “religious” and “pious.” Forgive me. Fill me anew with your Holy Spirit and renew a right spirit within me. Reignite the faith of a child within me. Thank you for examples of faith such as Abraham. Help me be fully convinced as he was. Thank you for a living example of faith in my son. Help me be more like him. If You said it… that’s enough. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.
Running After Papa…