Blessings Through Trials For His Childre

Blessings Through Trials for His Children

Little children mt 11:25, 18:13, 19:13, 19:14, Mk 9:37, 10:14

These scriptures and a number of others make it clear that God sees us as His children. Like little children, we are often disobedient, rebellious, disrespectful, and stubborn. Like a good father, God is patient, loving, forgiving, merciful, and always way ahead of our foolish efforts to get our own way. A small child may throw a tantrum wanting to play in the pond nearby. A good father will never allow it, knowing the danger. The child doesn’t see the danger or understand the refusal – he is, after all, “a very good swimmer.”

The father is likely to deal with the tantrum using discipline appropriate to the child’s development and redirect the child into more appropriate activities until he really can play in the pond safely. The Lord deals with us in much the same way. We often do not see the dangers in our actions and desires and want things that would not be good for us. And we sometimes behave badly when those things are denied. We don’t like hearing, “No!” He, therefore, hems us in guiding us in other directions over our protests.

Children frequently are not happy about going to the doctor or dentist. Nevertheless, these visits are essential to good health. A good parent will not allow their child to determine if, or when, they will visit their doctor or dentist. If a medical or dental procedure is needed they will see that it is done regardless of the child’s unhappy protests. God, likewise, will give us (His children) what we need to grow up healthy and strong (spiritually) over our protests, if necessary. But, if we stubbornly insist on having our own way He may sometimes allow us to have our way along with the consequences.

We need to learn continuous prayer and complete submission. It isn’t easy – it takes a lifetime but it will be worth it.

There have been many blessings and there have been many hard trials in my life experience. Nearly all were shared by my wife. Some of the trials were due to my own bad choices. Others were the result of things over which I had no control. All were for our ultimate welfare - though they often didn’t seem like it at the time. Sometimes they still don’t.