During a recent interaction with a son, I was reminded of how spiritual disciplines like prayer and Bible study help us grow a faith that’s strong enough for hard times.
“Look who I found,” 23-year-old Logan said. He’d been cleaning his bedroom. In a week he’d move out and begin graduate school.
A fabric-faced, wide-eyed puppet poked around the corner.
“Jared,” I said. “Wow! It’s been a long time.”
Logan had been in a puppet ministry when he was young. One summer, the team made their own puppets. I still remember the kids, bent over parts and pieces, crafting like wild on the ministry leader’s kitchen floor.
Logan made Jared who went on to be in many productions.
I sat for a moment and remembered my gangly-armed little boy. After the first performance his arms had ached from lifting the puppet. Logan knew that he needed to grow in strength and endurance, so he held a soup can above his head for days.
When he grew a bit stronger, he graduated to a V8 juice can. He’d hold the can high as he read, walked around the house or played in the yard. His training paid off! By mid-season, he could lift Jared for an entire show. Jared sang and danced above the set screen with no trouble.
Logan had prepared for demanding times.
That afternoon, as long-lost Jared peered around the doorframe, I thought of my faith. We can be certain that hard times will come. I’ve heard it said that if we’re not in a current struggle, we’re coming out of one or are moving into one. The best way to be prepared is to strengthen our spirits before.
When we spend time in study and prayer, when we learn and know and understand the character of our Father, we are made strong in our ability to endure hard times.
It’s a proactive way of life. It’s a grand insurance of our spiritual well-being and ability to have peace and sustaining faith when life’s water runs rough.
Logan sat down on the sofa beside me. He plunked Jared between us. Suddenly I remembered specific songs and performances and a little boy with heart to share God’s love.
But mostly I remembered the obedient discipline and the blessing of growth.
It worked for Logan and Jared.
And it works for my faith.
