As grown-ups, it’s easy for us to forget the childlike faith that God asks of us, as mentioned in Matthew 18:3.
Amidst the mounting bills, increasing responsibilities, and the anxieties of daily life, we often overlook the fact that the God who governs the universe knows the number of our gray hairs and cares about even our smallest needs.
In today’s culture, which frequently exclaims, “Adulting is hard,” we have reluctantly embraced the challenges that come with the journey of life after reaching double digits in age (at least, that’s when it became difficult for me). Consequently, having the faith of a child may seem childish to us.
However, there are moments when God chooses to remind us that those little children might actually be onto something…
Sara Moore Gruver shared a valuable life lesson she learned from her son Josh through a Facebook post that went viral. It revolves around an encounter with God that took place on their doorstep. This encounter gently reminded Sara, who considers herself an old soul, of “what it means to have the faith of a child.”
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Sara had only $20 to her name at that time. While the bills were paid and groceries were bought, there was very little left over for the week. On their way back from grocery shopping, her children pleaded for ice cream, shedding genuine tears and causing quite a scene. Sara declined, explaining that she was short on money and might need that $20 before payday. She assured them that they had plenty of good food at home and didn’t need to stop at the ice cream store. She heard disappointed sighs from the back seat, followed by her son Josh’s prayer: “God, we’d really love some ice cream. Is there any way you can give mommy some money so we can get some ice cream tonight? We know you can. Thank you.”
Sara responded with exasperation, saying, “Guys, God isn’t going to magically drop money at our doorstep so you can have ice cream. He’s currently occupied with natural disasters.”
To this, Josh confidently replied, “No, Mom. God said you’ll have enough money for ice cream and to donate to the people affected by natural disasters.”
Sara attempted to explain that it didn’t work that way but eventually gave up. When they arrived home, they found a package waiting on their doorstep. Inside the package was an envelope, and within that envelope was a check for $123. It turned out to be an overpayment refund from a student loan Sara had paid off in 2007.
The kids weren’t surprised, and neither was God. They enjoyed their ice cream, and a donation was made to the Red Cross.
Once again, Sara remembered the essence of having the faith of a child.
The passage from Matthew 18:3 resonates: “And he said, ‘Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.'”