“Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it.” (Luke 18:17; ESV)

I was watching a small child in the grocery store the other day. He was walking down the aisle poking the cans on the shelves looking like he didn’t have a care in the world. Then one of the cans moved to upset the others and suddenly there was a bang. The cans had fallen and were rolling across the floor. The little boy stood, frozen for a moment, staring at what was happening. Then, without making a sound, he ran straight to his father’s leg and held on for dear life. The look on dad’s face said he had seen this, or something like it, many times before. Dad stroked the boy’s head gently, bent down to whisper something to him, then they both went to pick up the cans.

This reminded me so much of how our Lord wants us to depend on Him, and how He will walk with us through life. Not just when something unpleasant happens, but all the time. A child depends on his or her caretaker for everything. A child doesn’t do anything without the help of someone. Eating, sleeping, going out to play, touching the neighbor’s dog, even associating with other children is all dependent on someone else’s guidance. That is how our relationship with God should be. It is that innocent, humble dependence that brings us closer to God. The Apostle Paul told us: “… for when I am weak, then I am strong.” (2 Cor. 12:10; NASB). When we are helpless, He empowers us.

Being humble enough to admit we’re scared, ashamed, confused, or just out of gas, is what opens us up to receive God’s provision. Receiving the kingdom of God like a child requires fighting our prideful attitudes. Pride separates us from God. When you think you have all the answers, you’re not listening for the Spirit’s guidance. You won’t think to ask for God’s guidance because you already have the answers. This, more times than not, will have you to taking the wrong road, going down when you should have gone up, or zigging when you should have zagged. However you describe it, some unnecessary or unwanted result happens when it didn’t need to.

Just like the boy in today’s story, we all go around poking at things that have the potential of disrupting our lives. Sometimes the cans fall without ever poking them. No matter what your situation may be, having a firm grip on the Father through Jesus Christ will help you through it. He will comfort you and walk with you through anything that happens in your life. Hold tight and don’t let go.

Have a great week and God bless.