A Childlike Faith

"That we who first trusted in Christ should be to the praise of His glory. In Him you also trusted, after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also, having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise." Ephesians 1:12-13

It was during the rush of the Christmas and New Year's holiday season two years ago that Jonah's final paperwork for being able to leave Liberia as our son was completed. Despite the moratorium on international adoption, because we were residents in Liberia we had, at long last, been allowed to adopt Jonah. (See On Making Jonah a Sheppard.) However, we still needed the many documents necessary to get him through the international airport and to the United States if we were going to take him with us for Nathan and Emily's wedding, which was just a few weeks away. 

As part of that process we needed to visit government offices, lawyers' offices and photo shops. To obtain some of the documents it was necessary for Jonah to be with us in a very busy part of town. And it was quite the adventure. Thousands upon thousands of people were out and about. It was confusing enough for me as an adult, but for Jonah the massive crowd was completely overwhelming. He was close to panic. 

As we were winding our way through shoulder to shoulder madness, Mark had advice for Jonah—close your eyes and put your hands over your ears.  So, while Mark held him tight, Jonah did just that. His little hands covered his ears, his eyes were crinkled shut, and his face was buried in Mark's neck. And as I walked behind them I was greatly moved. Mark was being sweetly honored by this little boy so obviously putting all of his trust in him.

Interestingly, trusting is a way I bring glory to my heavenly Father. The first chapter of the book of Ephesians is rich with the good news of who I am in Christ because of all He has done for me. I am blessed, chosen, adopted and an heir. All of this was God's work, but tucked in the passage is the one thing I did do. I trusted. 

Trust, belief or faith—all words very similar in meaning—are very important to God. In Galatians 3:6-9 Abraham's faith is explained and my own faith encouraged. "Just as Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness. Therefore know that only those who are of faith are sons of Abraham. And the Scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, preached the gospel to Abraham beforehand, saying, 'In you all the nations shall be blessed.' So then those who are of faith are blessed with believing Abraham."

Mark and I saw God work miracle after miracle on Jonah's behalf.  But while we as his parents had multiple responsibilities during this time, Jonah himself had only one. His job was to trust us. Likewise when my heavenly Father is working on my behalf, I must trust. 

And, so sweet that God should make it so, my trust actually brings praise to His glory!

See How to Avoid Becoming "The Other Woman."

See Am I Gorgeous Yet?