Just Like the Building Blocks From Home...

"Do you have building blocks at home?"
*Yes.*
"Do you connect them with each other?"
*Yes.*
"Well, the doctor wanted us to connect you to a heart monitor so we can watch what your heart is doing. "
*smile*
"I'm just going to connect these cords to the stickers on your belly, just like those building blocks, okay?"
*smiles again* *OKAY!*
I start reaching towards him to connect the ends ------
*SCREAMS!!!!!*

So much for the child psychology approach. The above conversation did, in fact, happen last evening, as I was admitting a young child to our unit. I can't help but laugh as I think back to this "less-than-amusing-encounter-at-the-time" incident at work. This particular child was enthusiastic and very intent to what I was saying as I explained every little procedure, every little detail of what I was doing to him.

However, in a blink of an eye, as soon as I started actually doing something to him, I was met with screams, kicking, and crying. A little kid may look small and helpless - but this one sure had a lot of resistance power stored away under his cute facade.

As I stored this past evening in my "remember-for-future-use" storage bank, it occurred to me that God may have had something a little more in mind for me to learn from this than to wear goggles and a face protector when trying to bulb suction a kicking, screaming child. I was thinking, how often do we do this very same thing to God? Let me explain:

How often do we read scripture, feel empowered and ready to fulfill God's purpose for our lives ---- and then put our Bibles away and suddenly suffer from short term memory loss? For example, we drink in the beautiful, comforting words of James 1:2-3:
"Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything."

YES!! I'm going to face trials of many kinds, so that I will be mature and complete, and not lacking anything!!! I then proceed to pray that God would be with me during the trials, and that I would be able to face them and conquer them quickly and easily with His help!!!!! Just like the little child I met last evening, I have put on my smiling face, ready to tackle anything God may have planned.

And then the trial hits.

Where did my faith go?!!? Suddenly, I don't feel strong. I don't feel prepared, and I CERTAINLY decided these trials are too much to face, even if they may make me mature and complete. Before long, I am kicking and struggling to get out - and over my own screams, I cannot hear my heavenly Father's gentle voice repeating His plans, and whispering that He is still right beside me as before.

Proverbs 1:33
"but whoever listens to me will live in safety and be at ease, without fear of harm."

Wow! God is imploring us to listen to His voice. He desires for us to focus on the hands that are slowly molding and healing us, instead of the superficial pain we are experiencing. We may even stop asking God to help us grow and heal, because we remember that the process may not be as pleasant and easy as we'd like it to be. Then we wonder why we have become depressed, and feel far from God. Jesus loves it when we ask for faith, healing, and truth. He knows what it will take for us to change... and it may not be a walk in the park. BUT, He also knows the ending. He sees the beauty and richness of our lives when we surrender our lives to Him.

Colossians 2:6-7
"So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness."

So next time you ask God for faith, or spiritual growth, be prepared to praise him through all circumstances that may come your way - the good, and the not-so-pleasant. Those trials may be the perfect building blocks (yes... like the ones from home!!) to create a new heart, one that serves the Lord unconditionally.

I'm going to go construct a full-body armored suit to wear to work, just in case I have to give that kid another shot. :)