“The fundamental fact of existence is that this trust in God, this faith, is the firm foundation under everything that makes life worth living. It’s our handle on what we can’t see. The act of faith is what distinguished our ancestors, set them above the crowd” Hebrews 11:1-2 (The Message).
During a date with my youngest, we watched an episode of Jake and the Netherland Pirates on Disney Junior. Bones, one of the pirates had found a “lucky goldenbloon” which he kept flipping, having faith whichever way it went, it would lead him to the treasure. While following the goldenbloon’s path, Captain Hook and his cronies was following Bones and his friends, trying to get to the treasure first, but always finding themselves in a predicament they had to get out of. Eventually, Bones was led to the treasure and he had to give up his “lucky goldenbloon” in order to see what the treasure would be. It turned out to be many more goldenbloons for which Bones was very happy.
After watching the entire episode, I realized there were three distinct spiritual truths I could glean from this cartoon. The first one had to do with Bone’s faith in the goldenbloon. Now, I’m not suggesting we put our faith in a coin, but when we put our faith in God and walk with confidence the path He takes us on, even when we can’t see what’s up ahead, He always leads us safely to where we need to go.
The second truth I discovered was that usually when we’re walking the path God has chosen for us, Satan gets angry. When that happens, he tends to step up his tactics to steer us off course or to distract us completely in order to foil the blessings or plans God has planned for our lives. However, when we stay focused on God and what He wants us to do, Satan and his cronies attempts at distracting us fade into the distance.
Lastly, I find in my own life, usually when God is working with me to fulfill something spectacular in my life, I have to give up something of importance before I can receive the true blessings He wants me to possess. Just as Bones had to give up his “lucky bloon,” I find I’m usually called to sacrifice something I think is important in my life. In reality, when I willingly let go of whatever God is asking of me, the blessings I receive are more than I could’ve imagined. And, just as Bones was happy to relinquish the coin, God is pleased when we happily let go of what He is asking for.
I didn’t start out thinking a date with my little boy would turn into a spiritual lesson, but thanks to Jake and his friends, he reminded me how much God loves me. He wants to bless my life if I’m just willing to have a little faith and be willing to submit in the areas He chooses. And, my friend, what He’s willing to do for me, He wants to do for you as well. What are we waiting for? I think God has something much more special planned for our lives than one gold coin!
© 2013 Cheri Swalwell