I cannot say ‘Father’ if I do not endeavor each day to act like his child.
I cannot say ‘Who art in Heaven’ if I am laying up no treasure there.
I cannot say ‘Hallowed be Thy name’ if I am not striving for holiness.
I cannot say ‘Thy Kingdom come’ if I am not doing all in my power to hasten that wonderful event.
I cannot say ‘Thy will be done’ if I am disobedient to his Word.
I cannot say ‘On earth as it is in Heaven’ if I’ll not serve Him here and now.
I cannot say ‘Give us this day our daily bread’ if I am dishonest or an under-the-counter shopper.
I cannot say ‘Forgive us our debts’ if I harbor a grudge against anyone.
I cannot say ‘Lead us not into temptation’ if I deliberately place myself in its path.
I cannot say ‘Deliver us from evil’ if I do not put on the whole armor of God.
I cannot say ‘Thine is the kingdom’ if I do not give the King the loyalty due him as a faithful subject.
I cannot say ‘The power’ if I fear what men may do.
I cannot say ‘The glory’ if I’m seeking honor only for myself.
I cannot say ‘Forever’ if the horizon of my life is bounded completely by time.
Unknown (Quoted by John MacArthur in his book ‘Alone With God’)
This little girl is a gift from God and one of His miracles. She is almost four years old and has spina bifida. She has no feeling from the waist down. Despite her health problems, she is shining God’s light everywhere she goes. This little girl’s name is Jayla, and is the daughter of my pastor. She is always so happy and always has a smile on her face. Jayla is fearfully and wonderfully made just the way she is, and so are all of us despite what problems we have.
I have spina bifida as well and I was the same way. The doctors said I would never walk, ski, kneeboard, horseback ride, travel, or any of the other things I do today. I was born with no feeling from the waist down but have gradually gained more feeling by God’s grace, love, and miracles. Seeing things like this in my life draw me nearer to God. May God bless this sweet little girl throughout her life with many miracles as he has done to mine. :)
