Childlike Faith

Read: Matthew 8:5-10

The things which are impossible with men are possible with God. —Luke 18:27

On the way home from a family camping trip, 6-year-old Tanya and her dad were the only ones still awake in the car. As Tanya looked at the full moon through the car window, she asked, “Daddy, do you think I can touch the moon if I stand on my tiptoes?”

“No, I don’t think so,” he smiled.

“Can you reach it?”

“No, I don’t think I can either.”

She was quiet for a moment, then she said confidently, “Daddy, maybe if you hold me up on your shoulders?”

Faith? Yes—the childlike faith that daddies can do anything. True faith, though, has the written promise of God for its foundation. In Hebrews 11:1, we read, “Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” Jesus talked a lot about faith, and throughout the Gospels we read of His response to those who had great faith.

When a paralyzed man’s friends brought him to Jesus, He “saw their faith,” forgave the man of his sins, and healed him (Matt. 9:2-6). When the centurion asked Jesus to “speak a word, and my servant will be healed” (8:8), Jesus “marveled” and said, “I have not found such great faith” (8:10).

When we have faith in God, we will find that all things are possible (Luke 18:27).

God, give me the faith of a little child  

Who trusts so implicitly, 

Who simply and gladly believes Thy Word, 

And never would question Thee. —Showerman

A childlike faith unlocks the door to the kingdom of heaven.

by Cindy Hess Kasper

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE

“I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing”

(John 15:5, NIV)

TODAY’S WORD from Joel and Victoria

Have you ever thought about the relationship between the branch and the vine? We don’t use these kinds of word pictures very much anymore, but think about it — if the branch is not attached to the vine, it withers and dies. The very life of the branch depends on being attached to the vine. The same thing happens if we try to operate in this life without Jesus. Without Him, we can do nothing. We are cut from our life source. But when you remain in Him by daily connecting with Him through prayer, worship and study of the Word, then your life will be fruitful. You’ll walk in joy and blessing.

I love that this verse says “much fruit,” which means you will have an abundant harvest in your life. God doesn’t want you to just barely get by. He wants to overwhelm you with His goodness. Remain in Him today. Choose to make Him top priority, and you’ll see His hand of blessing operating in every area of your life!

A PRAYER FOR TODAY

Heavenly Father, thank You for being my source of life. Thank You for Your hand of blessing that is leading and guiding me. I choose to make You the number-one priority in my life. Let my heart hunger only for You today in Jesus’ name. Amen.

— Joel & Victoria Osteen