"Can we go to Arizona?"
That is the question my eight-year old niece, Mia, asked.
You're probably wondering why on earth would she want to go to Arizona of all places. One day, we were watching YouTube videos of a young sibling duo called the Sneak Attack Squad. These two brothers mix imagination and fun to fight off "creatures," mostly with Nerf blasters (imaginary weapons).
Mia mentioned how she'd loved to play with them one day and was curious about where they lived. I did a quick Google search and found out that they most likely live in Arizona.
Mia didn't realize all the factors associated with going to Arizona to visit the Sneak Attack Squad:
Arizona is a little over 1,800 miles from the state she lives in.
Plane tickets per person to fly to major cities in Arizona are currently about $400 and up round trip.
My sister would need to approve and fund this trip.
The Sneak Attack Squad's parents would have to approve as well.
According to my sister, Mia consistently makes bold requests. She is not at all afraid to ask for what she wants.
As much as I thought Mia's Arizona request was hilarious, I had to step back and admire her ability to be bold, think boldly, and ask boldly.
Kids are not as privy to the details that we adults are.
At a certain age, we are taught to count the costs. We weigh every scenario and make decisions by weighing the factors. It is easy to become analytical and to believe that every component must match and line up first before you proceed.
At times, we follow these formulas and rules, leaving very little for faith. But the Bible tells us: "For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future" (Jeremiah 29:11 NIV).
God also tells us: "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. 2 For by it the elders obtained a good testimony. 3 By faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that the things which are seen were not made of things which are visible" (Hebrews 11:1-3 NKJV).
Our faith is cultivated by trusting God’s word, regardless of the external factors that surround us. Our faith in God will put us front and center to precisely where we need to be.
Lord, even when the details are unclear, help me to trust in what you say in Your word about me and the plans You have for me. Help me Lord to be bold in the pursuit of knowing You and making You known. Also, help me to bold in pursuing my God-given dreams. Show me how to not fear, not doubt, but to "just believe." Restore in me a childlike faith. Amen.
Your Turn: What have you stopped dreaming about that God keeps nudging you to pursue? In what ways have you limited your growth as you've gotten older? How can you develop childlike faith? We'd love to hear from you!
*A version of this post first appeared on Arianna Dunn's blog in 2020, "Thinking Out Loud," at www.arianna-elise.com