...A Little Child Shall Lead Them

I have titled this message " A little Child Shall Lead Them" because it fits so well with a spiritual lesson in life that my 8 year old son taught me during our Summer vacation. The phrase was taken from Isaiah 11:6, which concerns the prophecy of the Messiah's peaceful reign here on earth. That is not what this message is about but a sweet account of how the LORD used my son to teach me what it is to find joy in an adverse situation.

Recently my son broke his arm very badly approximately 1 week prior to our Summer vacation to Canyon Lake. This break required two pins and rod, it was a horrible experience for us all but the LORD is merciful. My son was excited to hear that there was a possibility of getting a waterproof cast, but was later told this would not be possible since he had to have pins and a rod inserted it made the risk of infection greater. This of course meant no swimming or kayaking for Thomas. I was all prepared to hear the endless pining of my son's desire to get into the water and having to tell him over and over that he couldn't. Before we even got to the beach I was feeling so sad for him that I was thinking maybe we should just cancel the trip.

Here is the wonderful lesson that I learned from my son. As we went out to the man-made beach side of the lake, he was super excited! He knew he couldn't go into the water, but he didn't care, he was just glad to be there. As I watched him walk along the shore picking up seashells and skipping rocks, all I could see on his little face was peace, joy, happiness and contentment. Wow!! Just like that I saw what the LORD meant in Matthew 18:2-4:

"And Jesus called a little child unto him, and set him in the midst of them, And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven."

My son didn't care that something unexpected happened that altered his initial plans of swimming and splashing around in the water, he was just happy to be there with his family. He was happy to be at the lake and enjoyed the moment he was in. He found joy in his present condition and he NEVER complained. I was so grateful for this moment and I almost cried as I watched him play and I thanked the LORD for that sweet lesson. I pray that I will always have fond memories of his "chicken wing" that's what he called his broke arm. The LORD says in Nehemiah 8:10

"...for this day is holy unto our Lord: neither be ye sorry; for the joy of the LORD is your strength."

Father, I am so thankful for the joy that you have given me in Christ Jesus, no matter what the situation is, there is joy to be found in your Son. Amen

Friends I pray that in whatever situation you are in your life today that there is an abundance of joy and peace. If you find yourself in a place of hopelessness or despair try to remember the "chicken wing" and the little lesson from a child. The LORD is faithful and he will not suffer you to be tempted above that you are able and He will with the temptation make away of escape that you will be able to bear it ( 1Corinthians 10:13.)

Blessings my friends in Christ and may the LORD richly bless you with all spiritual blessings that can be found in Christ Jesus our LORD.

AMEN!!!!