The Scripture for today is Hebrews 11:1-3 Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. 2 This is what the ancients were commended for.
3 By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God’s command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible.
Faith, confidence, hope and assurance – these are such powerful words to me. Today I taught preschool Sunday school and spent a couple of hours with little children. As I reflect on this passage and the time I spent with the little ones, I think of Jesus admonishing the disciples to not hinder the little children coming to him. I think of his teaching that we must be like little children to enter the kingdom of heaven.
This morning, we were learning how God surprises us and rainbows were one of the examples that I used. When I asked the little ones if they had ever seen a rainbow, their faces lit up and they bubbled with excitement, telling everyone in the classroom about their experiences with rainbows. One little boy told how rainbows show up after a thunder storm. He also noted that when gasoline floats on water, it is rainbow colored, too. One of the little girls shared about her rainbow birthday party. These little children are so interested in everything around them and how it impacts their world. They understand that God created the world and everything in it. They are confident in that truth – their little voices asserting with confidence that yes, God created rainbows, flowers, people and all other good things. They have confidence in his love for them, never doubting that he is their heavenly Father and loves them very much. They are joyful and hopeful in their childish faith. At this tender stage, they don’t have to see God to know of his love and goodness, they are confident and assured of his love for them. Their parents have beautifully modeled not only their love for these little ones but taught them of God’s love for them. What a privilege to have this time with them! I often wonder who is learning the most during our time.
As I picture each adorable, innocent little face – I find myself yearning for their faith, confidence, hope and assurance. I want to experience unwavering faith in my God; unshakeable confidence of my true worth as his child; never ending hope that he will never leave me or forsake me and complete assurance that although I cannot see him, he is at work in the world around me. His majestic creation, spoken into being, attests to just a glimpse of his incredible power, glory, and holiness.
Lord Jesus, thank you for teaching us to enter your kingdom as little children: children who are confident in your love, mercy and goodness; children who are excited and awed by your good creation; children who trust and hope in you. Jesus, help us to reach those that don’t have faith, confidence, hope and assurance in you. I love you, Lord Jesus. Amen.
Kelly