“Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children,
you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 18:3
I don’t know about you, but I often make faith too complicated!
In a recent post we talked about feeling far away from God and how going back to the basics can often bring us closer to Him. Seeing the little things all around us that we often take for granted can refresh our relationship with Him. You can read the complete post here: https://pauladavispeace.com/2014/07/20/feeling-far-away/
Returning to the simplicity of childhood can also have us rethinking how we approach our faith.
I heard a story of two little girls whose great-grandfather died unexpectedly. They were very sad that they didn’t get a chance to say, “good-bye” to him and tell him they loved him. Since they had faith their great-grandfather was in Heaven with Jesus they asked their grandmother if they could send him a message. The grandmother got a couple of balloons, wrote notes on them and the girls released them to float up to Heaven. These little ones had faith that their messages would be delivered and they were at peace. The reality that scientifically there is no way the balloons could have reached their intended destination did not diminish their faith and thankfully someone loved them enough to not squelch that simple faith by reality that didn’t really matter at that moment.
“Faith is different from proof; the latter is human, the former is a gift from God.”
Blaise Pascal
These girls didn’t need proof to believe. Their faith was enough.
How often do we allow our faith to be complicated by our environment and past experiences?
Maybe it’s different for you, but somewhere along the way through life I stopped believing that God can do ANYTHING. I like to think I believe it but when looking at seemingly impossible situations I find myself doubting more than believing. I look at the environment and circumstances around me instead of relying on simple faith.
Now, I’m not suggesting simple faith is easy but rather straightforward and uncomplicated.
“Faith expects from God what is beyond all expectation.”
Andrew Murray
Some say those with simple faith see life through the proverbial rose-colored glasses. Often ridiculed, even from other Christians because they aren’t trying to figure everything out for themselves when in reality we see them living a more uncomplicated and less stressful life. Simple faith Expects from God the answers to questions we can’t answer ourselves and leaves them in His hand until the answer is received. Simple faith reaches out to Jesus as the woman subject to bleeding for 12 years knew that just a touch from Him would heal her (Matthew 9:20-21) and believing it for our own circumstances.
Simple faith is getting out of God’s way. It doesn’t put restrictions on God and His abilities or allow environment and circumstances to negate His power. It doesn’t think, only believes. Then stands back and watches God do amazing things.
I’m working on making my faith less complicated and returning to the simple faith I had as a child. I’m trying more and more to be aware of the voices in my head that negate the power God could have if I would only believe.
And I’m looking forward to seeing the results.
He fulfills the desires of those who fear Him;
He hears their cry and saves them. Psalm 145:19
Do you know the freedom and blessings of a simple faith? Will you share them with us?
If your faith like mine tends to be too complicated, will you join me in returning to the simple faith God desires to have?
I look forward to hearing the wonderful results you see as well!
Blessings & peace to you as you continue on your journey of faith…
Paula
Paula Davis 