Bring Your Umbrella
“Jesus called a little child to him and put the child among them. Then he said, ‘I tell you the truth, unless you turn from your sins and become like little children, you will never get into the Kingdom of Heaven. So anyone who becomes as humble as this little child is the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven.’” - Matthew 18:2-4
I read a story once about a small farming community that had been experiencing a devastating drought for many months. The crops in the fields were dying and everyone was very worried because this is how they made their living.
A local pastor called for a special prayer service for all the people of the town to gather at the church and spend some time agreeing in faith and earnestly pleading to God for rain. Many people came and there was a distinct sense of burden and sincerity among the crowd.
As the meeting was about to begin, the pastor glanced out of the corner of his eye and noticed a young girl standing quietly near the front. Her face was beaming with excitement. And when he looked closer, he saw beside her a large colorful umbrella.
Initially, he wondered why this young girl had an umbrella in the middle of a devastating drought. He then realized that what he thought was foolishness on the part of the child was actually a statement of faith and hope. For if they were at a prayer meeting asking God for rain, and if you believe in prayer, then it makes sense to show up with an umbrella.
He began to feel convicted and was a bit embarrassed that he didn’t bring his own. The little girl’s childlike innocence warmed his heart as he realized how much she believed in the power of prayer, and that she was obviously expecting something major to happen.
She may not have been able to predict when, or forecast how; but in her heart, she had hope and trust that God was about to turn things around.
What about you? Do you have a childlike faith? Do you believe that God will provide you what you need? When we think like the world, we too can sometimes struggle to have a childlike faith. He wants you to return you to your “childlike” ways; trust Him and bring your umbrella!
I read a story once about a small farming community that had been experiencing a devastating drought for many months. The crops in the fields were dying and everyone was very worried because this is how they made their living.
A local pastor called for a special prayer service for all the people of the town to gather at the church and spend some time agreeing in faith and earnestly pleading to God for rain. Many people came and there was a distinct sense of burden and sincerity among the crowd.
As the meeting was about to begin, the pastor glanced out of the corner of his eye and noticed a young girl standing quietly near the front. Her face was beaming with excitement. And when he looked closer, he saw beside her a large colorful umbrella.
Initially, he wondered why this young girl had an umbrella in the middle of a devastating drought. He then realized that what he thought was foolishness on the part of the child was actually a statement of faith and hope. For if they were at a prayer meeting asking God for rain, and if you believe in prayer, then it makes sense to show up with an umbrella.
He began to feel convicted and was a bit embarrassed that he didn’t bring his own. The little girl’s childlike innocence warmed his heart as he realized how much she believed in the power of prayer, and that she was obviously expecting something major to happen.
She may not have been able to predict when, or forecast how; but in her heart, she had hope and trust that God was about to turn things around.
What about you? Do you have a childlike faith? Do you believe that God will provide you what you need? When we think like the world, we too can sometimes struggle to have a childlike faith. He wants you to return you to your “childlike” ways; trust Him and bring your umbrella!
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