I love fireworks. The bangs, whistles, sparkles and surprise of trying to guess what's next fills me with awe and wonder. But it doesn't take long to switch that into worry about what effect its having on the environment. Where's the rubbish landing? Is it falling into our rivers and killing ducks and fish? Could the money be used more effectively elsewhere? It's the same with balloons and kite flying. Or the naff plastic stuff in party bags!
As an adult I have to think about the consequences of the choices I'm making, for myself and for future generations. But as a spiritual being, I'm not an adult. I am a child of Father God. He protects me, provides for me, loves me, disciplines me, guides me. Jesus said we are to have faith like a child's.
A safe, loved child doesn't worry about whether they will get food. They're only interested in what it'll be and how soon they can get it. I pray that you will have a hunger for the bread of heaven. That you will hunger for more of Jesus in your life, knowing its His desire to feed you.
When they're playing, most children don't worry about their clothes getting in a mess or how wet and muddy they get. They splash in puddles, run in the rain, get cold playing in the snow, run into the sea fully dressed, not at all concerned about what it'll do to the car. I pray that you will have faith like this. That you'll run full speed ahead into the adventure that the Holy Spirit wants to take you on, where walking on water, turning water into wine and other spectacular miracles seem not only possible but inevitable.
Ask a young child what they want to be when they grow up : A superhero, butterfly, astronaut, princess, tractor! We learn to limit ourselves, dream small, expect little of our lives. I pray that you will believe you can conquer evil and change the word through Jesus Christ, that your dreams become so big it would take two lifetimes to see them fulfilled. I pray that you will see yourself as God sees you. (Look at the difference between how Gideon saw himself and God's version!)
A loved child sleeps in the arms of a parent completely rested. Bring the burdens and worries to Jesus and rest in His arms. Feel the presence of God and rest, knowing you are safe in His hands.
Watch as a child sings and dances around a room, unconcerned with if they have the "right moves". I pray that you will no longer live in fear of being seen as a show off or drawing too much attention to yourself but will instead know the same freedom of abandonment in worship that David experienced.
Listen to the laughter and joy of the children around you. See their easy tears. Know the Father loves you and let the Holy Spirit remove the shackles of disappointment and fear, performance and conformity that hold you back from freedom.
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