Nobody likes hearing stories of kids getting bullied, much less a 3rd grader whose dad is out of the country for work. But that’s what was happening. Life can be tough in 3rd grade.
The boys mom saw someone share online that they were enjoying my book, 21 Days to Childlike Prayer. So she decided to get her and her 3rd grader a copy.
After the first week of readings, the 3rd grader got a specific answer to prayer that thrilled him.
The boy came home from school happier than usual. His mom wondered what was going on. It turns out that he prayed that day that he wouldn’t be bullied at school in a way that he was expecting to be. And God answered his specific prayer with a “yes”! he was so happy.
Hilariously, he also prayed that God would provide pancakes at lunch that day. As he told his mom the story of the day, he told her that the pancakes, unfortunately, weren’t served. But the boy said, “I guess it wasn’t what was best for me.” If you’ve read week 1, you know that he is communicating the heart of childlike trust.
When I heard this story, I was so moved. I hated that this boy is getting bullied, that he is facing it without his earthly Father. But I loved how his mom was leading him spiritually. I was thrilled that as a 3rd grader, he was already praying his problems, praying with specificity, and praying with childlike trust (specific “no’s” require childlike trust).
The 3rd grader believes his heavenly Father loves him enough and is powerful enough to help him with his bully problem and his pancake dreams. God is glorified by that. What does your prayer life say about your belief in God’s love and power?
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