CRAVE FOR A CHILDLIKE FAITH!

 EVERYDAY IN THE WORD!

WEDNESDAY MARCH 16, 2022.

SUBJECT : CRAVE FOR A CHILDLIKE FAITH!

Memory verse: "And said, “Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter into the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 18: vs 3.)

READ: Luke 18 vs 15 - 17:

18:15: Then they also brought infants to Him that He might touch them; but when the disciples saw it, they rebuked them.

18:16: But Jesus called them to Him, and said, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of God.

18:17: Assuredly, I say to you, Whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will by no means enter it.”

INTIMATION:

Having faith like a child means we should have confidence in the promises of Christ and faith even in situations where we cannot see. Children are naturally full of faith. They are able to trust and praise God without doubts or reservations, with humble and sincere hearts. It is difficult, but healthy, to identify with “children”—weak and dependent people with no status or influence. Children are innocent, they marvel in God's creation, they are trusting, they rely on others to sustain them, they are honest and bold, they ask questions, and are eager to learn. As we get older, many of us find this more and more difficult to do.

One must have the attitude of submissive little children in order to be of the spiritual nature that is necessary to enter the spiritual kingdom. The children represent the nature of those who would accept Christ’s kingdom reign in their hearts. In order to receive His kingdom reign, one must humble himself as a child who is not presumptuous in his behavior. Little children have the kind of faith and trust needed to enter God’s kingdom.

Having faith like a child is no easy feat. In Matthew 18 vs 4, Jesus tells us “whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.” Having faith like a child requires putting aside our will. This way our opinions and misconceptions do not get in the way of trusting Christ wholeheartedly. We have to admit that we do not always know what is best and humble ourselves, which can be a challenge.

Children often have very little control over their own lives. Yet, in healthy circumstances, children embrace the fact that they have to put their trust in other people. They trust what their parents, teachers or other adults say without doubts or fear. For example, when a young child is shown a magic trick, their eyes light up with wonder.

Adults, on the other hand, are much more skeptical than children. It seems as the childlike faith and wonder are somehow lost in the process of growing up. Most adults do not embrace putting their reliance or trust in other people as children do. In some ways, this is good because it protects us against being hurt and shows we are more aware than children are. However, in other ways, embracing trust and faith like a child is beneficial.

Having childlike faith in Christ as an adult does not mean that we have to trust blindly as some may assume. In fact, it is quite the opposite.

Children are often open to learning and trying something for themselves. For example, if you tell a young child there is a puppy outside the house, they will most likely believe you, but they will investigate the fact for themselves. If what you are saying adds up and there is a dog outside when they go to look, that fact will strengthen their trust.

Everyone, whether they realize it or not, acts in faith every day. When we get in a car, we place trust in the drivers around us to drive safely so we can arrive at our destination. When you order food from your favorite restaurant, you have faith that the chef is preparing your meal properly. If you look at the weather on your phone and decided you don’t need a jacket, you are putting faith in the weather forecast.

You may have heard the phrase having faith like a child or childlike faith in reference to faith in Christ. Although the Bible never uses this phrase, it does have a lot to say about faith. Hebrews 11 vs 1 tells us that “faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.” Children are known for their pure belief and trust, and as Christians we can learn something from them. Ask God to give you childlike faith, removing any barriers to having a closer walk with Him.

The Scripture, in First Peter 3 vs 15 says, “But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you , with meanness and fear;” When the Bible talks about being like a child, it does not mean that we should not be educated and have reasons for our beliefs. Having faith like a child means we should have confidence in the promises of Christ and faith even in situations where we cannot see.

Prayer: Abba Father, endue me with the spirit of childlike trust and confidence in You and delightsome obedience to Your Word, and empower me to live for You all the days of my life, in Jesus' Name I have prayed, Amen.

PRAISE THE LORD!