My friend’s baby took one look at me and screamed.
We all laughed. He obviously didn’t like the looks of me. Babies are not at all polite. They are selfish, insecure little creatures. And with good reason. They come into a strange world, completely dependent on someone else to provide warmth, food, and loving care. They cry and scream to make their needs known, grabbing on to fingers for dear life. They are quite unaware of anyone else’s needs—especially their need for sleep.
When I first came to Christ, I cried and held on to God because of my own need. I was completely selfish. That was no problem with God. We come to Him empty and needy, and He reaches out to take us as we are. God loves His baby Christians and is well able and willing to care for them and answer their prayers.
But as children grow and are weaned, they become less demanding. They still depend on their parents but are more confident and assured of their love and protection. The relationship deepens. They can forget about themselves and think of other members of the family, reaching out to care for them and their needs.
As I grow in my Christian life, I become more confident in my heavenly Father’s love for me. I have His ear and can trust Him for everything. Leaving behind baby ways, I take on the challenges life brings, being willing to forget myself in caring for those around me.
Good parents never over-indulge their children. They allow them to make mistakes and learn from them, at the same time keeping a watchful eye on their children. Our heavenly Father allows us to experience problems and setbacks for our own growth and development, but we are never out of His sight.
Submit willingly to God’s weaning process.
(Photo courtesy of pixabay.)
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Marion Turnbull was born in Middlesbrough, United Kingdom. She also married and raised five children here. She served with her husband in overseas missions in Papua New Guinea and Africa. She is now retired and enjoying her grandchildren.