My four year old, Carson, looked up at me with his big blue eyes and said "Mommy, I have been praying to God" which as you can imagined blessed my heart immensely! I stopped for a brief moment in my mind as I pictured Jesus Himself patting me on the back with His angels in the background singing praises that my "parenting skills" were not in vain after all. However I quickly came back to reality as I heard Carson explain that he prayed for nothing less than a trampoline to enjoy in our backyard!
Well that sounded more like the prayer of a four year old, yet I seized the opportunity for a life lesson nonetheless. I reminded him that we should really pray for things we need...not things we want which seemed to me to be an age appropriate response. However his answer was a simple, straightforward one. "Mommy I DO need a trampoline, but God still hasn't answered my prayer!"
Why was I surprised at his innocent, but demanding request from God when many times we are guilty of the same?  We think we need that bigger house, that better job, or a husband who actually takes out the trash every day.  We are tempted to look at what we do not have instead of taking the time to count our blessings right in front of us.  Doesn't God's word remind us in Matthew 6:8 that He knows what we need...

"...the Father knows the things we have need of even before we ask him." (NKJV)

 

The greatest plans I could create for myself here on this earth would NOT compare to what God has in store for us in His perfect plan, and He is fully capable of ensuring that His will is done in spite of our restless hearts who want to see our own agenda accomplished often instead. 


Matthew 6:25-30
“Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing?   Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?  Which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his stature?
 “So why do you worry about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin;  and yet I say to you that even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.  Now if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will He not much more clothe you, O you of little faith?


"Lord help me today and every day to be confident in your plan for my life knowing that worry and anxiousness will not change my circumstances.  Let me be like the birds you created who do not worry about what they will eat from one day to the next.  May I be reminded that you clothed even the lilies that stand in splendor with their garments of royalty knowing they will be gone tomorrow.  Yet I, created in your image, will be clothed so much more and I am certain that you will care for me."

Second Chances

"Just one more chance Mommy pleeease," my seemingly innocent four year old daughter requested as she held up her index finger with a grin that gave way to a giggle.  I can remember it like it was only yesterday.  She knew I would give her one more chance even though we both knew she should not have turned on a flashlight under the covers to sneak and read her new book when she was supposed to be sleeping.  Many years have passed, and my daughter is now almost fifteen and will be driving soon...yikes!  I suppose I still find myself giving her second chances on occasion depending on the severity of the offense.  When it comes to matters of character and obedience to Christ, I am not so quick to offer a second chance I must admit, but I am so glad we have a Father in Heaven who is certain to offer a second chance every time IF we will only turn to Him and repent. 

"The LORD is gracious and full of compassion, Slow to anger and great in mercy."  Psalm 145:8

As we begin a new year in 2012 we reflect on things we wish we had done differently in the previous year and make those fresh resolutions with renewed commitments.  We cannot change our past  nor should we dwell in it, but we can learn from our mistakes knowing that God will take ALL experiences, even when we stumble, and turn those into stepping stones to build our faith and our testimony if we will let Him. 

Romans 8:28 reminds us that "all things work together for good to those who love God, and are called according to His purpose." 

Even when we stumble?  Yes, even when we stumble.  In fact, even when we fall flat on our face or choose temporarily, in a moment of weakness, the dark instead of the precious light. 

1 John 1:9 says "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrightousness." 

So this year as I wrap up my list of resolutions....lose 10 more pounds, save more money, organize my home (wasn't that one on my list LAST year?) and actually USE that gym membership I purchased...I think I will do something slightly different as I create my checklist.  I will include a written prayer of gratitude to my Jesus...thanking Him for second chances.  Won't you join me?  Is there something you can surrender to Him today knowing He IS a God of His word?


"Thank you Jesus for offering a second chance to ALL who simply choose to repent and turn to you.  Thank you for loving me in spite of myself and knowing that I will spend my entire life striving to be like you, but falling short each time.  May I be a light for others to follow that leads to the eternal light only found in you..."