When we are unable to fix
things, do we keep trying
or should we have turned
to God from the beginning?
Becky shares.
“For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have One who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet He did not sin. Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need” (Hebrews 4:15-16).
I wanted to instill a few profound truths in the preschool class I worked with. Instead, they instilled truth in me.
I asked the little four- and five-year-olds to repeat these statements:
I am safe. I am important. I am loved.
These are true in and through Christ.
Before we were done, I added what a former coworker of mine said: “If there’s a problem: fix it.”
The children loved it and it has been a good reminder for me as well.
Today, however, as I taught the class, a four-year-old theologian said, “Talk to God!”
The statement became, “If there’s a problem: talk to God!”
Some problems are beyond our ability to fix.
In February 2012 I had been in the hospital a few days when the doctor came to me and explained that in addition to the pneumonia and TB found in my lungs, I had a growth on my right kidney. This is enough! I thought, as I began to cry.
It was in that hospital, in isolation, that I became more aware of the precious invitation to approach God’s throne of grace with confidence. In that time of illness I learned that healing may not come, but Jesus would be with me through it all.
He provided just the right substitute teacher as I healed. In that time I was assured of His gift of grace through Christ.
Prayer: Wonderful Savior, thank You for using the words of children to bring glory to You. Thank You that I can talk to You about my biggest and smallest pains. Amen.
About the Author:
Becky Elie lives in the Midwest and enjoys spending time with family. She was diagnosed with tuberculosis (TB) while teaching in Asia and is well after many months of medication and God’s care. She is learning that it is in her weaknesses that God’s strength is made known. Becky enjoys painting, photography, and learning more about living for Christ.
Is there a problem you are trying to fix in your own life right now that you need to give to God?
Ellie Holcomb sings “The Valley” and it is a song about how we need God beside us as we go through those tough times. There all alwas be things in our life or the lives of those we care about) that we are unable to fix. Thankfully, we can embrace the peace that God offers us. -Lisa
From the mouths of babes… Oh, to have the simple faith of a little child… Thank you for sharing this, Becky. Love the song, too, Lisa.
When I see children with that much faith, I can’t help but to run to Jesus too!
Becky, what perfect timing, if you only knew my conversation with God just this morning.
I can deff identify vwith your verses and thank you for pointing me and all if us in the right direction. ” talk to God” So grateful He always listens and knows exactly what to do. Blessing to you, di
I am so glad that Jesus continues to be the High Priest, that He can handle the weight of what I keep trying to carry and He can shoulder it so I need to just give these things to Him. Yes, He is the One that fixes my big, ugly, messy problems. Yes, He is the One who invites us to come to Him, to talk to Him and just to be still and listen to His tender and fatherly voice.
Becky, these are such precious verses, with several wonderful truths. As I think about them now, I’m so grateful, once again, that the Lord accepts me just as I am. And He’s the one who knows me best!!! Wow!!
I’m also astounded by the fact that He not only asks us to approach His throne, but He also really wants us to share our sins, troubles and joys with Him.
These words come to my mind often. I know them in my mind so well. So why is it that I don’t run to Him more often and enjoy His mercy and caring, real help?
Thank you for sharing from your own experience.