When Jesus told his disciples that they needed to become like little children in this passage, it was in response to their question, “Who, then, is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” But in addition to children being humble and pure of heart, there are many things we can learn from them.

You see, children have an innate trust. They trust their parents will catch them when they jump from a high height, they trust their parents have all the answers to their numerous questions a day (although many times we don’t!), so it is no surprise that their faith in Jesus at a young age is so strong! They trust that Jesus is just who He says He is, and will do all that he has said. Their hearts have not been affected with all the doubts and worries that come with getting older.  

Something I am currently learning from my four-year-old, is to pray more effectively! Many times our adult prayer may sound something like, “Lord, I ask that you keep us safe today, and please provide for our needs according to Your will.” However, my daughter’s prayer says, “Lord, thank you for keeping us safe today, and thank you for giving us all the things we need.” Do you see the difference? My daughter is praying like it has already happened, while my prayer reflects the doubt that may be in my heart. My daughter has full trust that God is going to act.

Recently, this same daughter had a bad fall down an entire flight of wooden stairs. I saw her fall from a distance, and I screamed seeing how her little body bounced from one stair to the next, hitting her head repeatedly on the edge of the stairs, all the way until she hit the floor at the bottom. As I ran to her expecting the worst, she came out with one scrape on her forehead and one bruise on her eyebrow. That’s it! No bleeding, no broken bones (we even took her to the ER to double check!). It was truly a miracle! As I laid in bed with her at bedtime that night, I watched her sleep so peacefully. She wasn’t sore from her fall or anything! At that moment, I was reminded of her prayers. She had thanked God for keeping her safe since the beginning of that day, and He answered.

Let this be our encouragement for today. God is who He says He is, and is able to do more than we can ask or think. The question is can we trust Him unconditionally? Let us practice “Childlike prayer” and see how God answers.

Suggested prayer: Dear Lord, the worries of this world sometimes cloud my mind and keep me from fully trusting you. Please forgive me for not believing wholeheartedly and not clinging to your promises. I ask you to help me be more like a child in the way I pray, and how my faith shows. Thank you for your faithfulness, provision, and forgiveness, today and every day. I love you, Lord. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

1. Matthew 18:1-4.

Today’s Encounter was written by: Crystal B.