Don't Act Your Age: Approaching Life With Child-Like Faith

By: Payton M. Ishmael

They say that I can move the mountains
And send them falling to the sea
They say that I can walk on water
If I would follow and believe with Faith Like a Child
– Jars of Clay

Who knew that life lessons could be learned from a week’s worth of adventures with a 2 and 6-year-old! Particularly enlightening were the conquered feats of the wobbling 2-year old. In celebration of his 2nd birthday, his father bought him a battery-operated 4-wheeler that clearly stated, “Not for children under 3.” To my surprise, however, he drove the machine like a professional. Someone forgot to tell him he wasn’t old enough to be capable to drive that 4-wheeler.
All good things must come to an end. Unfortunately for the kiddos, this includes play-time. As both children pouted their way inside the house, the 4-wheeler was subsequently parked in the hall way. The 2-year old wasn’t taking ‘no’ for an answer, as most of you have probably experienced before. Instead, he proceeded to push the 4-wheeler up and down the hall. Someone forgot to tell him he wasn’t strong enough to move a 4-wheeler.
There are many instances where a person has achieved great things after being told they weren’t fast enough, smart enough, strong enough, or capable. You’ve already heard the multitude of celebrities, among the ranks of Michael Jordan. These people are the exception, not the rule. I can only imagine the triumphs if “I can’t” and “you can’t” were non-existent. Since, instead, they are a part of our daily speech, we have to choose to ignore this language of defeat and choose to have faith like a child.
Having child-like faith isn’t only beneficial, it’s necessary. “Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of Heaven.” Matt. 18:3 We are capable of so much more than we expect of ourselves and far more than what others think. Forget the limitations and boundaries that have been placed around your potential. Instead, approach like a child believing that “with God, all things are possible.” Matt. 19:26
Reconstruct your thought process. Think more like the 2-year-old conquering feats of a 3 year old on a 4-wheeler. “Therefore whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of Heaven.” Matt: 18:4 Strive for greatness. Have faith like that of a brave, 2-year-old conqueror.

Written March 20, 2010 for House of Prayer newsletter Vol. 1 Issue 10