On a cool, clear night several months ago, I sat on the back steps with our three-year-old son. As we stared at the sky, we talked about how big the moon was and how bright the stars were. Well, I talked. He jabbered in that special just-turned-three language that is part English – part who knows what.
After a few minutes of hearing the same phrase repeated, I finally realized that he was asking me to go get a ladder.
Me: What do you need a ladder for?
James: To go to the moon.
Me: Honey, the moon is too far away. We can’t reach it with a ladder.
James: Yes you can.
He had complete faith. He saw a bright, shiny object floating in the sky. And there was not a doubt in his mind that if I put a little effort into it, I could take him to the moon. I think he assumed I would be able to grant this request in the same easy way I provide milk and chicken nuggets.
Pizza – sure. Moonwalk? No problem!
Our conversation lasted several minutes, and I don’t think I ever convinced him that no one had built a ladder long enough to reach the moon. Not to mention issues of oxygen and atmosphere and freezing temperatures and gravity. And yes, I mentioned all of them in my effort to convince him that I wasn’t trying to be difficult, but I couldn’t produce a ladder and take him to the moon.
I’ve been thinking about this as I’ve been praying for God to grant me what I desire or give me something better.
Do I really think He can? I mean . . . really?
I know – intellectually – that He is God. Omnipresent, Omniscient, All-Powerful.
He is God. He can do anything.
But do I believe it enough to ask? And not only to ask, but to ask knowing that it’s not too hard for Him. That He not only can but will answer that prayer? He will either give me what I’m asking for, or give me something far better.
I’m trying to pray believing and asking God to help my unbelief.
Because when I ask for the moon, He doesn’t say, “Honey, the moon is too far away.”
He says, “Honey, have you thought about Jupiter?”
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Lynn Huggins Blackburn Believes In The Power Of Stories, Especially Those That Remind Us That True Love Exists.
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Lynn, this was a very convicting post for me! You're right-intelectually, I know God is God. I will pray, "Lord help my unbelief. Love you!
I loved this! Good story, good analogy. Beautifully written. Thanks Lynn!
Love your voice Lynn. I would love to have been in on that conversation with your 3 year old….faith with no boundaries! Sad we lose it as we "grow up."
Jamie – I find myself praying that soooo often! So glad He never gets tired of hearing it!
Debra & Mary – thanks for reading & commenting :-). Love hearing from my LB sisters :-)!
Powerful post, Lynn. How sweet that the Lord would use your precious three year old to remind us of a life-changing truth. I'll think of this post when I see the moon!
Thank you for this, friend. I needed this reminder so much today. I need this reminder every day. This topic has been the theme of my life lately. I KNOW God is capable of anything . . . EVERYTHING, but sometimes when I get handed hard thing after hard thing, I start to believe that's all He has for me. By His grace, I've never doubted His goodness, and I know that even the hard things are sanctifying me–producing faith, perseverance, and trust. But I need to find that childlike faith again–not just looking for the lesson in the trial, but knowing that He longs to give me good gifts too. He LOVES me, and He is FOR me. Every day. Help my unbelief.
Cathy – I learn so much from that little munchkin :-). Can't wait to see what Drew starts teaching me.
Erynn – Hang in there! I know your Jupiter is coming. I know it!