I HAVE a sweet, true story to tell to the dear children who, with busy fingers and bright faces, turn the pages of FAITHFUL WORDS in search of the children’s corner. It is about how tenderly the Lord Jesus honored the simple faith of a little child.
Harry M. is a great friend of mine. He is a little boy of about seven years of age. Harry has often heard of the Lord Jesus, the Good Shepherd who gave His life for His sheep, and, through grace, Harry’s young heart has been won to love the precious Saviour.
At the time of which I write a dark cloud of trial had gathered over Harry’s home. For many weeks his dear father had been too ill to go to his daily work, and his mother found it no easy matter to pay the rent and provide food for the household. There was not any money to spare for new clothes or shoes, and Harry’s boots were worn so very thin and old that one morning his mother said, “Does my little boy know that he cannot go to the Sunday school any more till I can get him a pair of new boots?”
“Oh, mother, I am so sorry,” was Harry’s answer.
“Yes, dear, and so am I; but perhaps you may not have to wait long, for the doctor thinks your father is a little stronger, and if it please the Lord to raise him up again, he will buy your boots.”
Harry sat down quietly to consider matters. After a silence of some time, he said, “Mother, the last time I was at school the teacher told us that the Lord Jesus has all power; that He can do whatever He pleases; He could send me some boots if He pleased.”
“Yes, dear, I am sure He could, if He saw it was best for you; but perhaps He wants you to learn a lesson of patience, and so may keep you waiting. You will not mind much if it is His will, Harry?”
“No, mother; but do you think it would be wrong to ask Him? I would say, ‘Just as you please, Lord Jesus.’”
“No, Harry; I do not think it would.”
So taking his old boots in his hand, Harry went upstairs, and, kneeling down with clasped hands and reverent face, for he knew that he was speaking to a great and holy God, with the simple trust of a little child he told out his need to the Lord in heaven.
Two or three days passed on, and though Harry did not say another word about the boots, his mother felt sure that he was still praying, and also watching for the answer to his prayer to come.
Saturday evening came, and while Harry was out on an errand for his mother, a friend called to leave a few shillings which were sent by a gentleman, who, though he had heard of the illness of Harry’s father, yet did not know of the little boy’s need or of his prayer.
Upon receiving the gift, the mother said, “The Lord has sent the means, and Harry shall have his boots,” and with glad, grateful heart she went out to purchase them. On her return, string and paper were quickly unfastened; Harry, with one long, loving kiss for his mother, pronounced them “such beauties,” then went quietly away. His mother gently followed, and found her little boy thanking the Lord for having answered his prayer.
Dear children, do you, who know the Lord Jesus as your own precious Saviour, take all your needs to Him in prayer? And do you not sometimes forget to thank Him when He gives you just what you asked Him for, or perhaps something better?
C. J. L.