Day 14 - Children

WHAT’S GOD’S HEART FOR FAMILIES?

Matthew 19:14: “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the Kingdom of God belongs to such as these!”

Luke 12:32: “Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the Kingdom.”

On a crisp February morning, I embarked to the park with my four-year-old son and our eager golden retriever. As we traversed a rock wall, Cade’s Chuckit! transformed into a blazing sword to cut down any branch before him. By his third swing, he inadvertently launched the tennis ball into a thick brier patch below.

Semi-distraught, Cade asked, “What should we do, Daddy?” I quickly ruled out an expedition through the bog and briers in favor of a better option: “Let’s ask Jesus for another tennis ball!” Cade liked the idea: “You pray, Daddy!” I smiled, squatted down to his eye-level and confidently said, “Do you know that He loves to hear you pray, and He listens whenever you talk to Him? I think you should ask Him.”

Cade prayed, “Jesus, we lost our tennis ball. Will you please give us a new one? Thank You, Jesus. Amen.” We entered the forest on a game trail, and less than two minutes later, we found a dew-soaked, bright green tennis ball atop some fallen branches. Cade laughed with delight. “Hey!” he said with a huge smile, “That’s what I’m talkin’ about!”

My heart swelled with gratitude. “Thank You, Jesus!” Instead of hunting down the ball to fix our own problem, we paused to ask God for help. Instead of a ball from Costco, Cade got a ball from God. How thrilling at four years old to receive such an immediate answer to your prayer, proving God really is there and really does care.

Jesus calls to each of us, “Come to Me!” He wants to be our source and solution for every hope, dream, need or decision. What are the implications for our city when we change and become like little children – filled with awe, free from fear, bold and stouthearted, wildly expectant, yearning for adventure, fully alive on God’s great dance floor?

REFLECTION:

1. Ask God, “What game do you want to play with me, Father?” What does He say?

2. How can you help a child you know to discern the Lord’s voice?

3. In what child-like activities does God desire to engage the Church in your city?

Reed Warrick Snoqualmie, WA.

PLEASE SHARE WHAT GOD IS REVEALING TO YOU BELOW! REMEMBER TO SAY WHAT CITY YOU ARE FROM!