Faith Like a Sprinkler

Bible Reading: Isaiah 41:10; Matthew 6:26-27; Philippians 4:6-7

“I’m worried I’m not going to pass my math test!” Kelly told her dad as they walked barefoot in the grassy yard after dinner.

“You’ve been studying and doing math problems for weeks, Kelly,” Dad said. “I’m confident you’ll pass.”

“But I’m not going to be good enough. I just know it!” Kelly looked up and wished she was one of the birds soaring overhead. They didn’t look worried at all.

“Hmmm,” Dad said. He pulled open the door to their shed, which let out a metal squawk, and poked his head inside. “I might have something…” His voice trailed off as he stepped inside. He reappeared seconds later holding a rusty sprinkler.

Kelly crossed her arms. “Is this a joke?”

“No,” Dad said. “It’s a quiz. Does this sprinkler have water in it?”

Kelly shook her head. “It’s not even connected to the hose!”

“Passed the first question!” Dad said, smiling. “Is this sprinkler empty?”

“Yeah,” Kelly said, uncertain how this was supposed to help.

“Guess we should just throw it out then, huh? No good anymore.”

“Dad, it’s a sprinkler! It’s supposed to be empty until the water’s turned on!”

“Exactly,” Dad said. He sank into the sun-dappled grass and handed Kelly the sprinkler. “We’re a lot like sprinklers. A sprinkler doesn’t worry it’s not good enough to do its job. It’s not afraid to be empty. When it’s connected to the hose, the water’s power flows through it. It’s the same with us. Because we have faith in Jesus, we’re always connected to Him, and His power flows through us. He’ll give us the strength we need to do the things He wants us to do.”

“So He’ll help me pass my math test?” Kelly asked.

“Well, I can’t promise you that, but you don’t have to worry about it. Jesus wants you to pray about your math test and then do the best you can. Trust Him with the results, no matter what they are.”

“I didn’t know He cared about stuff like that,” Kelly said.

“Absolutely He cares! He even cares about the birds.” Dad pointed to the birds flying above them. “But you’re far more important to Him.”

Kelly thought about that. “Dad, can we pray?” – Pearl Allard

How About You?

Are you worried about something right now? Maybe you have a test coming up at school or you’re trying out for a sports team. Whatever it is, have you prayed about it? Jesus loves you and cares about all the details of your life. Instead of worrying, He wants you to pray about what’s bothering you. Then trust Him to give you the strength you need to do His will.

Today’s Key Verse:
Philippians 4:6 Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. (NLT)

Today’s Key Thought:

Pray instead of worry