Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these” (Mark 10:14 NIV).

Angi had been teaching a Sunday school class of four- and five-year olds for a number of years but decided she wanted to attend the youth class during her last year of high school. So far the Sunday School superintendent hadn’t found another teacher. I have to admit my first thought was, “I hope they don’t ask me!” I hadn’t worked with small children for a long time and had basically decided I was done with that age.

However, as time passed I began to suspect the Lord was indeed asking me. I wasn’t happy about it, but finally said, “Lord, if they don’t have a teacher for Angi’s class by next Sunday, I’ll know you want me to teach it.” The next Sunday morning after church, the Sunday School superintendent (who knew nothing of my prayer) approached me with a puzzled look on his face.

He said, “Daisy, this morning when I saw you sitting in the choir, I think the Lord told me to ask you if you would teach Angi’s Sunday School class.” Laughing at God’s timing, I said, with a hint of exasperation, “Yes, He did!”

In spite of my reluctance, those little ones soon became my greatest delight. What an awesome experience I’d have missed had I refused to obey, and I also would have missed God’s preparation for the next part of His plan for us.

We never know what blessings we will miss, Father, if we refuse to do what you ask. Make us willing. Amen.

Featured photo: 1991 VBS at Lakeview United Methodist Church. Some of the children pictured were in my Sunday School class.