Secure in His Love
LUISEL LAWLER, COMPEL Pro Member
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“And he said: ‘Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.’” Matthew 18:3 (NIV)
Have you ever struggled with wanting a deeper faith? You want to please God, but you wonder: Am I doing enough? You read your Bible, attend church, pray, and try to be a good example, but sometimes it feels like going through the motions. You long to experience His peace, His presence, His joy, yet instead you feel weary from striving. Is this what faith is supposed to look like?
As a mom of five, I've often wrestled with my shortcomings not only as a parent and wife but as a child of God. I grew up believing love and acceptance were based on performance, and I carried that mindset into my faith. Even though I knew salvation is by grace through faith and not by works (Ephesians 2:8-9), I still lived as if my spiritual disciplines earned God’s approval. I quietly feared that when bad things happened, it was God’s punishment.
In His mercy, God gently revealed these lies and brought me to one simple verse that shifted everything: “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 18:3).
What does it mean to become like little children?
I now have the gift of 14 grandchildren, and they have taught me more about this verse than any book ever could. One day I took my twin 3-year-old grandsons and my 18-month-old granddaughter to the park. What could have been a 15-minute walk became an hour-long adventure as we stopped for rocks, sticks, and “treasures.” They crouched to study a line of ants. They lit up when a fire truck honked, cheering with delight. They peppered me with questions, trusting I knew every answer. My granddaughter sang her own little song.
They weren’t worried about how long it would take to get to the park. With carefree trust, they went along, believing I would lead them safely, delighting in every moment of the journey. In that moment, I saw childlike faith displayed.
Children live with trust, dependence, humility, openness, and wonder. They are free from striving, secure in love, and confident in the one who leads them. They find joy in being together, learning, and growing along the way.
This is the faith God calls us to — a faith not rooted in performance but in relationship, not in our striving but in His sufficiency. In childlike faith, we discover the treasure of simply being with Him, and our actions become about serving others for His glory.
It is then we experience what our souls long for: rest in His presence, confidence in His leading, and security in His love … enjoying the journey as well as the destination.
Lord, quiet my striving, and teach me to trust You like a child. Help me rest in Your love, joyfully follow Your lead, and depend on Your strength, not my own. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
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ENGAGE
This devotion was written by Luisel Lawler, a COMPEL Pro member and one of our Encouragement for Today writing challenge winners. We celebrate her heart, her words, and her faithfulness to grow in her calling. To join COMPEL Pro, click here.
FOR DEEPER STUDY
Matthew 11:28-30, “Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly” (MSG).
Where in your life is God inviting you to release striving and choose childlike trust in His love and leadership? We’d love to hear from you! Share your thoughts in the comments.
© 2026 by Luisel Lawler. All rights reserved.
Proverbs 31 Ministries
P.O. Box 3189
Matthews, NC 28106
www.Proverbs31.org
