HSBC Coffeebreak

Let the children come to me…For the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to those who are like these children.
Matthew 19:14

A few months ago we purchased my three year old her first bike, complete with training wheels. She could hardly wait to get it home so that she could try it out on the sidewalk in front of our house. While her father and I knew it might be a bit too big for her, she was determined to find success.

Decked out in her helmet, we went in the front yard to give it a go. She climbed on and wobbled around a bit without going anywhere. She couldn’t quite figure out the pedals. She climbed off and stared at it in silence. I offered her help, “Lucy, would you like mommy or daddy to help you ride it for awhile?” She shook her head, “No, I’m a big girl. I can do this.”

A few seconds later she climbed back on and again, the bike didn’t move. As she sat on it, wobbling, I heard her quietly say to herself, “I AM a big girl. I can do this. I can ride a bike. I know how. I’m three.”

I smiled as I heard her encouraging herself. And as I sat there watching her figure it out, I realized that I admired her confidence in how big she was. Many times, when I’m struggling with life, I begin pouting or looking for the easy way out. I wondered, wouldn’t God be overjoyed if for once, when circumstances were going poorly, I reminded myself that I have been a Christian for almost 20 years. In that time I have faced tough times and not once has God failed me. He has always delivered me and provided hope for me. Instead of acting like a child, wouldn’t it be better to walk through life’s troubles with a confidence in His faithfulness to me?

Not coincidentally, my world has had some unexpected twists lately. I have been tempted to worry and fear, but this time, I have a plan. When I am tempted to worry or fall apart, I remind myself out loud what I know to be true of my God. I have seen His power, I have experienced His deliverance and my future and my hope are certain. I need not worry and doubt. I am praying for the strength and the diligence to walk through this reflecting Christ’s glory. I can do this. I know my God. I am a big girl. My God is even bigger.

Heavenly Father, Thank you for your faithfulness in my life. I am grateful that You do not abandon me when life gets tough. I pray that when I face trials, I will choose to remember who You are, who You have always been and who You promise I can be when I am trusting in You. Give me the confidence of a child. I desire to honor and bring glory to You when I am walking through difficult times. Amen.

Written by
Holly Hauskins