Have you ever observed how trusting a child is? My three year old is the most loving and tender hearted boy you’ll ever meet. When I watch him and the way he interacts with others, I see just how vulnerable he is with the way he trusts others. It is so beautiful to see the way he does it with an open heart without any reserves.
As his mother, I could tell him anything and he would believe me. If he was let down for some reason, he would just “Awww man” and for the most part he would understand. It may take him a few minutes to get over his temper tantrum, but eventually he would go about his day with the same amount of trust knowing that I love him dearly and would protect him with every fiber of my being.
I was moved by this moment with my son and I realized that this is the type of faith and trust God wants us to put in him.This is what it means to have childlike faith. It’s simple. It’s open. There isn’t any doubt. It’s knowing that regardless of your situations, you are loved and taken care of, and you know that God’s best for your life is what’s best for you. You fully accept it with every fiber of your being. You just say “God’s got this” and go about your day.
Faith is the essence of a believer’s journey. By it, we believe in the unseen and we choose to believe in God, his son Jesus, and his plan for our life. Our faith tells God that we are ready to fight and live for him regardless of the world telling us not to. We trustingly give our lives over to God’s will in full confidence that his best is in store for us.
2 Corinthians 4:18 So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.
Hebrews 11:1 Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen; it gives us assurance about things we cannot see.
When life’s circumstances do arise, we must stand firm in our faith with the full knowledge that God’s going to carry you through. We may have to ride out the waves in life and we may plummet on the way down but we grow in our character and faith when we have these experiences. If your eyes are open and you are watchful, you will see that God is right there with you riding out the waves and orchestrating every aspect of your journey. It is truly an amazing experience filled with peace and joy because God will provide and make himself known to you. When we master our faith in the things that we can not see, the reward is far more unbelievable.
Perhaps you find it hard to trust and let go of the things you are clinging to and won’t fully give to God. Maybe you are fearful that if you let go then you won’t be able to control the situation and will lose whatever you are holding on to or you won’t get the outcome that you are so desperately waiting for. It’s so hard to let go and say “here ya go God, it’s yours!” Especially when it comes to the desires of your heart and the people that we love so much. God loves you more than that and even if you lose whatever it is, it’s because God has something better planned for your life.
As humans, we are nearsighted and can’t see the whole picture that God has painted for us and that’s why it’s important to have faith.
The days of our lives are unknown but we know the one who created us for his glory. My close friends and family have always been perplexed about my faith that has caused an anxiety and control driven person to an easy going and care free person. Yes, I still have moments! It has been a journey and it has not been easy but it has been worth every trial I’ve ever experienced to be exactly where I am now.
Below you will find the steps that help me along the way, enjoy!
How To Have Childlike Faith
Step 1: Decide to give your trial that you are experiencing to God and let go. You can do this by talking with God and asking him for his help. Leave it alone and go about your day. When you start thinking about this trial again, talk with God. Repeat until necessary.
Step 2: The devil is sure to place unwelcoming thoughts in your head like “God isn’t really going to provide.” When this happens, pray him away and tell him that “God has my back” or “his will is perfect for life.”
Ephesians 6:16 – In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.
Step 3: Enjoy the trial. Use this time to draw near to the LORD. Ask him “what can I do for you?” or “what do you need me to learn during this time in my life?” It might be scary at first but once you rip off the band-aid, you’ll be glad you did!
James 1:2-4 – Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
Step 4: Tell your heavenly father your needs physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually and THANK him for what he has done and is going to do! Finally, change your mindset to match God’s mindset and think on the things that are lovely to God.
Philippians 4:6-7 – Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:8 – Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
Step 5: Everything that makes up your life, your job, and your housework do it for God and to bring glory to him!
Colossians 3:23 Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters
Psalm 37:5 Commit your way to the Lord. Trust in Him, and He will act.”
Heavenly Father, I come to you praying for the person reading this and I ask that you make yourself so incredibly real to them that they can not deny that you are in their midst during their sufferings as their endure whatever life has thrown at them. In Jesus’ name, amen!
Be sure to find us on Facebook by clicking this link Barefoot In A Holler . We have an intimate and private group where we share praises, prayer request, and a community of support.
I hope to see you there!
Xoxo,
Hannah B.
Collective Circle Gathering 