Childlike Faith

“For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name, that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with power through His Spirit in the inner man, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; and that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled up to all the fullness of God.

Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us, to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever. Amen.” Ephesians 3:14-21

A pastor tells the story of preaching a weekend revival at a country church. The subject he chose for his sermon was faith through prayer. During the revival he was overcome by a depleting headache. He prayed for God’s healing, but the situation only grew worse. Finally he sought solace in the home of the church hostess who had a curious six-year-old son.

Ignoring the mother’s orders, the young boy cracked open the door to the guestroom and eased up to the edge of the bed. From there he could see the pain of the visiting pastor. “Don’t worry,” said the boy, “God will help you.” The pastor winced at the child’s faith as he wondered where his own had gone. “Son, will you pray for me?”

The boy immediately dropped to his knees, “Lord, please heal my friend. Thank you. Amen.” With that, the youngster left the room. Later that evening the pastor, now pain free, delivered a stirring message, “The Faith of a Child.” What had made the difference? The young boy trusted God in simple prayer.

Paul’s prayers to the Ephesians may have appeared simple; but from God’s point of view, they overflowed with wondrous faith. When you pray, are you believing God in childlike trust?

“For this reason I bow my knees before the Father.” Ephesians 3:14