Childlike Faith

All smiles and laughter, two small boys ran across the yard, on a mission to find hidden “treasure.”

The instructions given by grandma had been clear: In the patch of tall ferns there would be four promised “gifts”—all the same item but in different colors. They were to search for them until they found them. Once discovered, they could trade colors if they wanted to.

Our job as adults was to follow and observe. Three-year-old Benjamin was the first to find a large packaged green glow stick. He raised it in the air shouting, “I found it!” with delight. Seconds later Jonathan, four, was jumping up and down with excitement as he discovered a blue glow stick in the tall grasses. Within a short time all four were exposed, packages torn open, the boys waving the brightly glowing sticks in the air as they ran and jumped with joy.

The eight of us adults returned to gather around the campfire. Our fellowship that night centered on a discussion of how to grow our faith and develop childlike trust.

We had observed that throughout Scripture God often addresses us as “little children,” never “little adults.” Could that mean God wants us to approach Him with the attitude of a child? What would that look like?

We talked about what we saw. When the trusted adult gave instructions, in this instance the children quickly obeyed. They were confident in what was told them, not arguing, questioning, complaining, or agonizing over what they were being asked to do. They didn’t ask for more, or less. Rather, without hesitation or doubt they took action quickly. The pure pleasure on their faces as the promise of “treasure” came to pass was undeniable and real.

What is God speaking to us today? Are the promises in His Word so living and real that we don’t question but simply take the appropriate action with unflinching faith?

Now faith is the confirmation of the things we hope for, being the proof of things we do not see and the conviction of their reality. (Hebrews 11:1 AMP)

So faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the word [rhema, or speaking] of Christ. (Romans 10:17 NASB)

The takeaway from the evening for all of us was how important and necessary it is to spend time in His presence. Only then will we have ears to hear His instructions to us—both written and through the Spirit—providing the opportunity to grow in childlike trust and faith.

What are you doing to become more like a child in your faith today?

Copyright © 2015 Cheryl Elton