“Granddaddy, do you have anything for me?” Our three-year-old grandson’s earnest little face looked up at my husband last Wednesday night right before church started.
Paul replied, “I’m sorry, buddy, I don’t have anything.” Nolan looked up at him and said, “Granddaddy, you’re ‘posed to bring me things like pretzels and marshmallows and stuff.”
I hadn’t felt well that night so I hadn’t gone to church that evening, but I sure did laugh when Paul got home from church and relayed the story to me. I knew immediately what Nolan was talking about.
Whenever I know I’m going to be with any of our grandchildren, I always stock my purse with snacks. Yes, things like pretzels, crackers, miniature marshmallows and other treats. I loved that Nolan just expected them to be there—and if I wasn’t around, that Granddaddy should pick up the slack.
He expected it because it was always there.
That sweet boy’s faith should be a lesson for all of us. Time after time, God’s grace has been there for us. Whenever we’ve needed it, He’s been there to comfort our hearts when we’re hurting.
On countless occasions, He’s provided for our needs, faithfully giving us what we needed—even when all we could see was a hopeless situation.
So why is it that the next time we find ourselves in a difficult situation, we immediately go to doom and doubt instead of saying, “Do you have anything for me?” and expecting that the God who’d been faithful in the past would do the same in the future?
I know I’ve been guilty of that on numerous occasions, so here are a few of His promises for the next time we need a reminder that He’s a faithful God:
1) Deuteronomy 7:9
“Know therefore that the Lord your God is God, the faithful God who keeps covenant and steadfast love with those who love him and keep his commandments, to a thousand generations.”
2) 2 Thessalonians 3:3
“But the Lord is faithful. He will establish you and guard you against the evil one.”
3) Psalm 86:5
“But you, O Lord, are a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness.”
I want to remember those promises, and I want to be more like little Nolan—waiting without doubt because God’s grace and provision are always available.
