…for the righteous falls seven times and rises again. (Proverbs 24:16)
Recently, I came across an Instagram reel featuring an adorable scene of a 4-year-old girl engaged in a putting challenge. Positioned about three feet from the hole, she attempted to make the putt repeatedly, but each time, the ball missed the hole.
Undeterred by her initial failures, she eventually picked up the ball, placed it an inch from the hole, and, with determination, made the putt. Her face lit up with a big smile as she scooped the ball out of the cup, thoroughly satisfied.
What struck me most was her unwavering focus and determination. Despite the challenges, she remained steadfast and approached each attempt with childlike faith.
In watching this little girl, several parallels between her adventure and our faith journey with Jesus on Earth became apparent. First and foremost was her childlike faith, akin to the faith Jesus encourages us as His followers.
The girl believed, with unwavering certainty, that the ball would find its way into the hole. Similarly, Jesus extols the virtue of believing without seeing, stating, “Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed” (John 20:29).
The innocence of her faith mirrored the simplicity Christ calls us to embrace, urging us to become like children to enter the kingdom of heaven (Matthew 18:3). We must believe.
Moreover, the little girl’s misses did not discourage her. Despite repeated failures, she remained focused on the prize – getting the ball into the hole. In our faith journey, we, at times, miss the mark, experiencing moments of sin and falling short of God’s glory.
The word “sin” itself translates to “missing the mark,” reminding us of our flawed nature. Yet, through Jesus Christ, our Advocate, we find forgiveness and the strength to rise again from failure. Proverbs 24:16 assures us that though a righteous person falls seven times, they will rise again, emphasizing the resilience and forgiveness available through Christ.
The struggle and persistence displayed by the little girl also reflect the perseverance required in our faith journey. St. Paul’s words in Philippians 1:6 echo this sentiment, assuring believers that God, who began a good work in them, will bring it to completion.
Just as the girl did not give up despite her challenges, we are called to persevere, trusting that God is with us, guiding us toward eternal glory (getting the ball in the hole!)
For those who may struggle more in their faith journey, there is solace in knowing that the Lord is the Author and Finisher of our faith. Stumbling and falling may occur in life, but God promises that He will complete the work He started in us.
His love and glory surround us, preceding and following us through life’s trials. We are carried, like children, through the Red Sea of struggles, sin, and temptations toward eternal salvation.
Faith, trust, and perseverance are key, just as the little girl believed she would putt the ball into the hole – a testament to the certainty that, with our faith and eyes fixed on Jesus, He will finish the hole for us and through us as our hearts trust in Him like children.
Prayer: “Lord, teach us to trust you like a child.”