Faith like a Child
By Jen Wollner
“…Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them,
for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.”
Mark 10:14
My son has a birth defect that affects the growth and shape of his skull. He has had several surgeries to correct this problem. One particular operation, at three years old, was so invasive and traumatic on his head and face that his eyes swelled shut for three full days. By the fourth morning, he was pretty content with his situation, probably thinking this was just how things were going to be from now on, and he began playing with his toys. He couldn’t see them, but he was determined to have fun anyway!By Jen Wollner
“…Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them,
for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.”
Mark 10:14
I knew he wouldn’t go far, so I left him alone in our living room for a few moments. When I returned, I was surprised to see that he wasn’t playing at the coffee table where I had left him, but had made his way to the adjoining toy room. I approached him and asked what he was doing and he exclaimed,”Mommy, I can see! Jesus healed my eyes! I can see!!” The awe and joy in his voice is forever ingrained in my memory…and heart. My son had experienced a miracle of Jesus, he was sure of it! Since that day, he has reminded me several times of what Jesus did for him. Both of us are filled with wonder each time we recall it.
Now, I know what you are thinking—that wasn’t really a miracle. The swelling simply went down enough for him to open his eyes again. You’re right, that is what happened. But, unlike us, my son didn’t know anything about that. He didn’t know that the swelling would eventually dissipate and he would be back to normal soon. All he knew was that he was blind—and because of Jesus—now he could see.
We can learn a lot from the faith of a young child, can’t we? The truth is that Jesus is everywhere, and everything is under His control. He performs wonders daily. So, why don’t we recognize them more? Is it because we are skeptical? Is it because we want to take some or all of the credit ourselves? Or, is it that we lack the faith and trust to really believe that He is who He says He is and can do what He says He can do? Today is the perfect day for us to start believing Him more and start receiving the abundant blessings in store for us. Now is the time to exercise faith…like a young child. Oh, what joy awaits us!
GOING DEEPER:
1. In what specific ways do you see God working in your life today?
FURTHER READING:
Job 38-41; Matthew 17:20; Psalm 19:1; Psalm 66
Jen and her husband are busily parenting three children under the age of 6. Jen heads Oakwood’s Fresh Start ministry.
