Faith Like Elsie

I want to be like Elsie when I grow up. Elsie takes God at His Word and believes that He means exactly what He says. When God promises to be faithful, there is no room in her mind for doubt. She has an enormous heart of love for people, and she lives her life to the fullest every single day. She takes the time to stop and appreciate the small things that other people overlook. Elsie is one of my favorite people. Elsie is my seven-year-old sister.

Several weeks ago she asked Jesus into her heart. She was in the middle of an argument with Dad and was sent to her room. When she came back down, she apologized, and before long Dad was praying with her and her face was beaming again, though there were still traces of tears on her cheeks.

Last week she came downstairs with a small pillow and gave it to Mom with a hug. Later that day she sat down and wrote a note about the pillow. She read it to me as I made bread. "Dear Mom. I'm giving you this pillow because it's your birthday, and because I'm a Christian. I'm not just giving it to you, I'm giving it to God. I love you, Elsie."

What would happen if I had Elsie's faith, fully convinced that God means exactly what He says? Elsie believes this in action, not just theory. She lives her faith. Elsie's faith will change her world.

No distrust made [Abraham] waver concerning the promise of God, but he grew strong in his faith as he gave glory to God, fully convinced that God was able to do what He had promised. - Romans 4:20-21

Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen... And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who seek Him. - Hebrews 11:1,6