NEVER TOO SMALL OR INSIGNIFICANT

Children often have the gift, or knack, to say just the right thing at the right time to make a huge impact, whereas the same thing said by an adult may not have much meaning, or importance.

I remember some years ago I visited a family with a small toddler, who, if my memory serves me right was probably not even three years old. His parents told me that he loved listening to music, and was particularly fond of the old song: "It is no secret what God can do", written by Stuart Hamblen, and recorded by more than 60 different artists over the years, the chorus of which goes:

"It is no secret what God can do,
what He's done for others,
He will do for you.
With arms wide open He'll pardon you
It is no secret what God can do."

They said that he knew the complete song by heart! I asked the little man to sing it to me, and he proceeded to do just that! I was astounded that such a young boy could remember the words of  such a lengthy song and when he had finished I asked him whether he would be prepared to sing it to the congregation one Sunday. He agreed on condition that  I  carry him up to the pulpit and hold him while he sang it.

I then asked our pastor's permission and on the Sunday morning it was announced that we would now all listen to Sean* singing us this song.

I proudly carried him up the steps to the pulpit and without hesitation he gave a repeat performance to the delight and amazement of all present. AND he even went further than that - immediately after completing the song, he stuck his forefinger out to the congregation and shaking it up and down, he said, "You people must pay attention to what the pastor tells you on Sundays"! Well! He certainly got our attention!

We are never too young or to insignificant to do God's will and to be used by Him.

 In the first book of Samuel, chapter 3, we read how God one night spoke to Samuel, who was then also a very young boy, and gave him a very serious, important message for the priest, Eli, regarding the very lives of Eli and his sons. God did not give it to another priest, or prophet, to bring it to Eli, perhaps because Eli might not have believed the sad message God had spoken. God did not disregard Samuel as an instrument in His hand because he was so young - in fact, because he was still so young, he at first did not realise it was God speaking to him. He thought it was Eli calling him...

Paul in his letter addressed to Timothy says:

             "Let no one despise or think less of you because of your youth, but be an example
              (pattern) for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, and in purity."
              1 Tim. 4:12 - Amplified Bible

We teach our small children all they know, either by our words, or by our actions. Do we teach them to listen for the voice of God in their lives? Do we teach them to love God? To be an instrument in His hand?

Thank You, Lord, that You despise no one because of their youth, but will use even toddlers to Your glory.
Remind us to treat our children with the same respect and wisdom.

*Not his real name.