Our adopted three-year old son had a doctor’s appointment yesterday. He has been seeing this physician every once in awhile since he arrived home eight-months ago. (Wow…has it really been that long?) When you live on-top of a situation, sometimes simple things go right on by.
Unnoticed. Unrecognized.
She walked in the room expecting the same kind of response she received back in February. A child instantly withdrawing with tears running rampant. Sorta like a toddler flood, holding steady to his mother’s arms. In the past, he always turned away from her. Not wanting to look her in the eye. Hesitant and scared. But things changed…and this time he welcomed her with a smile. Giggles, even. He was excited to tell her he was getting big. And her response…well, nearly priceless…as she grinned from ear to ear.
I wonder how often we hold back from God out of fear. F.E.A.R. It can cause us to withdraw into our own little worlds. Places where we feel safe and warm. Loved and accepted. But Jesus, he was not caught up in fear. Rather, we see HIm unabashedly heal the leper, make the lame walk again, confront the Pharisees and Sadducees, and set the disciples straight a time or two. He wasn’t worried about where he would lay down His weary head or how in the world He would get His next meal. No. He had faith.
Faith always trumps Fear
It was pretty rad to see my son give his doctor a great, big hug today. Something long-awaited for her. Why don’t we consider giving God the same joy? What is it that is causing us to withdraw? Could it be our own comfort? Or safety?
“Aslan is a lion- the Lion, the great Lion." "Ooh" said Susan. "I'd thought he was a man. Is he-quite safe? I shall feel rather nervous about meeting a lion"..."Safe?" said Mr Beaver ..."Who said anything about safe? 'Course he isn't safe. But he's good. He's the King, I tell you.” C.S. Lewis, The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe
Today, my son realized that his doctor is not safe. She went ahead and poked and prodded and had some blood drawn. But a valuable lesson was learned…despite the pain, she was indeed good.
And yes indeed, God is good too.
I’ll admit, I have been struggling to completely trust God with a few things. Will you believe with me today that God is good and will do what is best for me and you?