As I watch Grace, I am often struck by the thought of how helpless she is. A small child can do almost nothing on her own, but relies upon her parents or caregivers to take care of her. This, however, does not put any kind of damper on a child’s desire to exert his or her own will all throughout the process. They will fuss, fight, argue, resist, and do anything within their power to get their way, even though as parents, we know what is better for them, and often desperately want them to let us help and guide.
Is that really any different than how we are with God? In reality, we’re just as helpless without the things he provides. We certainly are helpless when it comes to our eternal destiny, but also are pretty determined to make our own choices on this side of eternity. God has given us a strong set of principles to live by in his word, yet we want to fuss, fight, argue, and resist like the little child.
When you see small children being difficult, may it remind you that we are the same way before God, and cause you to take a step back and allow God to guide you and lead you—much as you wish that little child would do for you!