Child-like Faith

This week has brought much sorrow, questioning of where God is, and just utter disbelief. Through it all I have felt the presence of God and I want to share some of what he has taught me. (Before I begin let me briefly share what has receently transpired...this past Wednesday night Ed McGuffy shot and killed his 4 year old son, Jason, and then killed himself. Ed was a comitted volunteer in the Pre-K ministry, and Jason was in the class.)

At the funerals yesterday and in the midst of all the tragedy God was speaking to me about the importance of Child-like faith. Many times when I am up front leading the Pre-K and Kindergarten worship I wonder if the children are really understanding the songs or the bible stories they are learning. Working with this age is such a joy, but you never see them accept Christ at this age. We can only plant seeds for there future and hope that they will one day accept Christ as thier Lord and Savior. I have been at East 91st Street for almost a year, but have not yet been able to see the children I have ministred to personally accept Christ and be baptized. I have often been discouraged and wondering if I am really making a difference. All I can do is pray that each week I will plant seeds in these children's lives.

An overwhelming amount of peace and joy filled my body yesterday when Derek read a letter from Jason's mom at the funeral. She said that Jason loved Jesus so much and that he always memorized his weekly verses from church, recited the Lord's Prayer from preschool, and was so proud to sing Jesus loves me in front of the church a few weeks ago. It all of a sudden hit me. These children truly get it....they have complete child-like faith. The children always tell me they love Jesus and I truly believe they do! They have such joy in coming to church to learn Bible stories, memorize verses, and sing songs to Jesus. What a great example. They never question at this age....they just believe. These children each week teach me more then I feel I could ever teach them and I feel so blessed! I know with out a doubt that Jason is now in heaven with Jesus because he had the ultimate child-like faith. He loved Jesus, believed everything that was ever told about him, and loved to tell others. I never got to see Jason be baptized, but I know that he had Jesus in his heart....it was so evident!!! My prayer is that I can have this same child-like faith. For works do not get us into heaven---it is our love of Jesus and daily striving to be more like Him. Do you have child-like faith? My prayer is that we will all strive to have child-like faith and all be together in heaven someday.