Matthew 18:3, John 2:1-11, Luke 8:43-48, Matthew 15:21-28, Matthew 7:8, Psalm 118:8

Deborah Mitchell looks at the results of childlike faith in the Bible.

Deborah Mitchell

When I was young birthdays weren't celebrated much in my family. Christmas was huge, but birthdays were barely acknowledged.

When I had my children I was inclined to believe that birthdays were insignificant. However my children believed entirely differently, especially my eldest daughter. She paved the way for her brother and sister. She would start to plan her birthday months beforehand, instructing me on her present, venue, cakes, and she would even invite her friends. She was so excitement and expectant, I found myself going along with it. Now the new tradition in our family is to celebrate all birthdays to the fullest.

I think there is a lesson to be learned in this: the Lord finds childlike faith irresistible.

A wedding Mary and Jesus attended had ran out of wine. Mary told Jesus the situation, but He was unwilling to get involved. He told His mother that it wasn't His time yet. Nevertheless Mary simply believed He would. She told her servants to obey Jesus and do what He told them. This was Jesus' first miracle, and according to Mary's faith He turned the water into wine. (John 2:1-11)

The woman with the issue of blood was weak, frail and considered unclean. The crowds pressed Jesus on every side and He was surrounded by His disciples. He wasn't even looking in her direction. She was not deterred from believing for her miracle though. She just thought if I push through and touch Jesus I will be healed. Jesus knew someone had touched the hem of His garment with faith, as He felt the power leave Him. He asked who had touched Him and the woman confessed it was her. Through her belief she was healed. (Luke 8:43-48)

The Canaanite woman was desperate for help for her daughter, who was tormented by an evil spirit. Jesus blanked her, but she persisted in her belief that He could set her daughter free. Jesus refused saying He wasn't sent to help her, even insulting her by calling her a dog. She didn't take offence though, and pointed out that even dogs get to eat from their master's table. Jesus healed her daughter as He couldn't resist helping the believing women. (Matthew 15:21-28)

When Jesus went to visit His home town, He was only able to do a few miracles due to their unbelief. They had no belief in who He really was: the Son of God, all powerful and mighty to deliver. Their unbelief stopped them accessing Jesus' power.

Do you need a breakthrough? Or a healing, or deliverance for a family member? Unless we become like little children we cannot receive the kingdom. We just need to ask and believe. The Bible says "For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be open." (Matthew 7:8)

We are to have faith like little children. As children we believe our parents can do anything, and there is no doubt or worry. It's only as we grow that life events can cause suspicion and mistrust. But God never fails us, so by placing your trust in Him, He will not fail you. "It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in man." (Psalm 118:8)