I mentioned last week that I’ve started running again. We’ve also been vacationing at the beach quite a bit this summer. Which means … I’ve been running on the beach a lot.
What I’ve noticed as I run along the beach is I’m constantly dodging children. And I fully admit some annoyance. Why don’t these children pay attention to what’s going on around them?
Then it occurred to me … simply put, these kids have a childlike focus. They don’t care what’s going on around them. They have their sights on their end goal, whether it be the water, their beach toys, a friend, or parent. They see their destination and they’re oblivious to the rest.
Then I thought my adult-self. Cautiously taking each step. Looking around. Making sure all is okay before moving forward another step.
That really could apply to a lot of situations in life, but something that keeps coming to mind is my focus on my Savior. Do I have a childlike focus, keeping my eyes on Him as my end goal … my destination? Or am I easily distracted? Am I moving forward cautiously making sure all is okay before I take a next step?
When Jesus saw what was happening, he was angry with his disciples. He said to them, “Let the children come to me. Don’t stop them! For the Kingdom of God belongs to those who are like these children. I tell you the truth, anyone who doesn’t receive the Kingdom of God like a child will never enter it.” Mark 10:14-15 {NLT}
I’m contemplating this verse. Seems as though Jesus calls us to have childlike focus. Childlike thinking and childlike ways. Not over-analyzing and questioning. But trusting and staying focused on the One that matters.
Imagine if we could move forward in life believing with every ounce of our being, that His plans for us are good {Jeremiah 29:11}. As I sit and let that sink deep … His promise of good plans to bring me hope and a future … I feel such freedom and relief.
I don’t have to worry and scurry looking about, taking each step cautiously. Instead, if I keep my eyes on my Father and His plans for me, I can move confidently with each step I take.
Have you heard? Beginning August 1, I’m hosting a Facebook study group on my e-book 31 days of faith. Each day in August, I’ll walk through the book with you in a more in-depth sort of way. My hope is to breathe encouragement into your day, to help you see Jesus, and to show you joy in the middle of a trial.
And … if that’s not enough fun … guess what? This weekend, July 28th and 29th, 31 days of faith will be available on Amazon for FREE! Free I say! So be sure to download it and tell all your friends too!
P.S. … don’t have a Kindle? No worries, download Amazon’s free Kindle reading app and you can begin reading on almost any device you own … including your computer!
Additional details found here.
I need childlike focus on my Savior. Thanks for this reminder.
I’m going to have to share about your 31 Days of Faith study. I don’t Facebook, but I’d sure love to get the ebook!
The beach is calling my name. Soon.
i am such an analyzer!!! analyze, rearrange, see if i can do it better, faster, more efficiently… and then when i am done analyzing me, i move on to others. i know it is such a flaw, and it is why i wear BE STILL around my finger! i love your lesson in childlike faith… such a good reminder!
but you know, at 6am there are no kiddos out there playing :) and a beautiful sunrise!!
now we need to work on southern gal… i wish she was on facebook!!
Loved the post…child-like focus in faith is a wonderful and necessary thing…we strive and strive and hope to get there.
However, don’t use that in your beach runs or you’ll be knocking over a lot of kids. Somebody has to watch where they are going.
…I will definitely download 31 days of Faith…thanks.
Great post that lines up exactly with what the Lord has been teaching me. I just downloaded your 31 Days of Faith and I look forwarding to popping in on Facebook. What a great idea!
Wanna thanks for the e-book!
I found it is hard sometimes to have a childlike faith, but I am so thankful that God is always there to help me to grow in faith.