Scripture: 
			Luke 18:17 (NIV) – “Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive 
			the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” 
			
			
			Message: 
			When I was a small child and throughout my teens, I prayed to God 
			for many things. There was never a hesitation that He wouldn’t 
			listen. It wasn’t so much that all my prayers were answered, 
			although almost all were, but the fact that I didn’t doubt or 
			question it. I’d pray, thank God, and move on. I would talk to God 
			while playing, while at school, and just about any time. 
			
			
			Unfortunately, like most of us as we age, worry and doubt begin to 
			consume us. This transition is gradual, but it takes a hold of us 
			and slowly that childlike faith fades away.
			
			I 
			participated in the Walk to Emmaus a few years ago and when I left 
			it was clear to me that at that point in my life, I wanted a job 
			that was strictly church related. I already had a part time music 
			church job and a full-time teaching job. I couldn’t imagine how I 
			would financially survive without the teaching job, so I pretty much 
			put it on the back burner.
			
			I decided to 
			retire from teaching the summer before COVID hit. I continued at my 
			church, but it began having lots of problems. God promises, in His 
			time, He will provide the path to take.  
			
			Soon after, 
			the children’s ministry job at Asbury UMC became available. God 
			provided me with the job I was seeking.
			
			My biggest 
			challenge is asking, listening, and recognizing God’s direction. When I do, He never fails me. It was so easy when I was a child, 
			so I work daily to regain and renew that faith I once had. 
			
			
			Prayer: 
			Dear Heavenly Father, please help me and others to remember what it 
			was like to pray to you when we were children. Help us forget the 
			problems and burdens of the world but instead give them to You. Give 
			us the strength to focus only on You and listen for Your voice. We 
			love and thank You for this gift of childlike trust.  In Jesus’ 
			name.  Amen.
			
			Laura Molloy
			
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