Market Day for Maya

Bible Reading: Psalm 37:3-4, 8

Maya and Marco ran ahead of their mother on the dusty path, too excited to hold themselves back. Today was market day, and Maya and her brother always enjoyed visiting the stalls selling fruits and vegetables, fresh eggs, and fragrant breads. But this trip included something special—new shoes.

“Marco! Maya!” their mother called.

The kids joined their mother at a table stacked with shoeboxes. As Mama discussed prices with the seller, Marco and Maya searched for their sizes. “Got mine!” Marco shouted while chickens clucked nearby.

Finally, Maya spotted the pair she wanted. “I’d like these,” she announced. Mama bargained with the shop owner and then paid for the shoes.

At home, Maya took out her shoes to try them on. But her happiness turned to confusion when she realized she’d gotten two left shoes.

Maya showed the box to her mother. “Two left shoes, Mama! Now I have to wait another week for new shoes—and I don’t even know if the seller will exchange this mismatched pair for a real pair!” Besides being frustrated, Maya now felt worried. “What if we spent all that money with no shoes to show for it, Mama? How could God let this happen?”

Mama pulled Maya close. “It’s normal when things go wrong to question how God might fix it. But we know God is trustworthy. It’s His job to show us how to handle this. Let’s do our job.”

Maya wrinkled her brow. “Our job?”

“To trust Him. Not to let fear or anger take control, but to keep trusting God,” Mama answered.

“Even if I don’t get to switch this pair for a new set, God will still help me solve this, right?” Maya asked thoughtfully.

“Yes!” Mama said. “Circumstances won’t always turn out how we’d like, but God takes care of His children.”

“And I’m God’s child, right?” asked Maya. “Because I trust in Jesus, who paid the price for our sins.”

Mama nodded. “That’s right. Trust Him to provide you with what you need.”

Maya closed the shoebox and set it aside, where it would be ready for next week’s market day. -Allison Wilson Lee

How About You?

When you face disappointments, do you often become angry or afraid? God tells us to trust Him in all circumstances. He’s with us and loves us, and He’s in control. When you’re tempted to give in to anger or fear in a hard situation, stop and think about how God has shown His care to you in the past. Then remember that He promises to take care of you, and trust Him to help you in your present struggle.

Today’s Key Verse:
Psalm 37:8 Refrain from anger and turn from wrath; do not fret—it leads only to evil. (NIV)

Today’s Key Thought:

Make a choice to trust God