Our ministry outreach in Kenya is living at an orphanage and assisting the primary school teachers in class. I’ve been placed in the “baby” class which has about a dozen 3 year olds. I’ve learned a lot from the kiddos this first week, most importantly they’ve reminded me of what it looks like to have childlike faith.
Matthew 18:3-4 “‘I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever HUMBLES himself like a child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.’”
Luke 18:16-17 “‘Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.’”
Over and over, Jesus used the gospels to tell us, His children, the importance of childlike faith. Believing in God like a child is key to my salvation.
What is childlike faith?
What I’ve observed from the sweet, spontaneous Kenyan children is an overflow of joy. The kids don’t let their situation determine the size of the smile on their cubby little faces. In the class room they are laughing, at recess they are laughing, and eating porridge they are laughing. I’m reminded that joy is a daily choice. Like my little tots, I want to choose to be joyful always simply because life is an adventure and I’ve got the greatest Guide. I seek to mirror their ability to bring joy to every situation.
The children follow without questioning. They’ve shown me what it looks like to believe full heartedly that where God is taking me is better than where I am at. To no turn back or even look back but to walk hand-in-hand with my Father. Faithfully walking onward. I may not know what will happen when I get to where He is taking me but I will trust in God that He will take care of me, He will keep me safe, and He will take me somewhere for my benefit.
The dear three year olds cry without reservation. Like the kids, I seek to express my emotions to God knowing He will comfort me. To express my negative emotions because this life is hard, leaving people is hard, continuing forward with what I believe God is telling me is hard. Walking in faith and trusting that He can handle me when I don’t measure up.
Teaching 3 year olds who’s english is limited to 1,2,3 is difficult. They respond to demonstration rather than direction. In scripture, it is told countless times that God goes before us, showing the way.
Isaiah 45:2 “I will go before you and make the rough places smooth.”
You are my father, where You go I will follow. I have the childlike faith that will mountains. I believe with my entire heart. I will continue onward hand-in-hand with You, my Father.
