The processes of learning to walk and learning to talk are key parts of a child’s development. Our youngest child has a good grasp of walking and is now beginning to form words beyond the basics of ‘Mum’ and ‘Dad’. This process amazes and inspires me. I liken it to the journey I have been on with God. The journey has involved learning to walk and talk with Him.
Children learn to walk by holding an adult’s hand. This involves the child trusting that the adult will guide their steps and hold them if they trip. The Bible puts a big emphasis on the importance that God places on children. In Matthew 19:14, God’s son Jesus says to his disciples,"Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these".
The Bible also teaches us to be like children in our journey with God, to trust in Him. God knows us well and reminds us to have the simple trust of a child. Matthew 18:3 “And he (Jesus) said: “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven”. Little children are trusting and unpretentious.
Learning to walk and talk (pray) to God involves being trusting, open, honest and frank as a child would be. There are a number of tools to help guide our steps and pray with God. They include reading the Bible, meeting with groups of people who believe in God, listening to Christian music etc. I am constantly challenged about relating to God in a wholly trusting and unpretentious way, just as my own child has complete trust in me.
Don McLean
Assembly of God
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