Some years ago I was taking my granddaughter Susie on a walk when a couple of
homeless men came walking toward us. Their scruffy appearance made her afraid.
In her little mind, she thought she was about to be harmed. She was already
holding my hand, but instantly I felt her push her body into mine as she grabbed
onto my pant leg. "Papa!" She whispered. Of course, I put my arm around her and
said that everything was going to be all right. The men passed us on the
sidewalk without incident.
Inside, my heart was brimming. That instantaneous (reflex of reaching out for my
aid meant that she thought could handle anything and everything. This was a more
precious gift than any sweater she would ever give me for Christmas. She showed
that she had a deep faith in me. I would come to her rescue. I would meet her
urgent need. I would take care of her.
That is the very thing that delights the heart of God When we run to him and
throw ourselves upon him in believing prayer, he rejoices. He does not want me
out on my own trying to earn merit stars from him. He wants us, rather, to lean
into him, walking with him as closely as possible. He is not so much interested
in our doing as in our receiving from him. After all, what can we do or say or
conquer without first receiving grace at God's throne to help us in our time of
need (Hebrews 4:16)? And all that receiving happens through faith.
Cymbala, Jim. Fresh Faith. Grand Rapids, Michigan: Zondervan, 1999, p. 48, 49.
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