[The following story is true; only the names have been changed.]

“Can we play outside, Mom?” asked little Jennie and Treasa as they finished their after-school snack.

“Sure,” answered their mother. She was glad the weather was nice and the girls could spend some of their energy outdoors. It was a particularly beautiful day.

The girls played for a short time and then came running back inside. Mother was concerned for a moment, but then realized they were simply playing. She smiled as they went outside again. She watched the sisters laughing and giggling and enjoying each other’s company. Then they came running back inside once more.

Somehow the doll buggy they were playing with had overturned, leaving Treasa with two badly hurt fingers. In screams of fear and pain both girls were frantic as they showed their mother what had happened.

An hour later Treasa and her mother were at the doctor’s office, waiting to be helped. They sat together on a cushioned table in one of the examining rooms with Treasa leaning against her mother. Mother gently stroked Treasa’s arm in an attempt to relax her.

“Mom,” said Treasa in a small, shaky voice, “I would be so nervous if I were here all alone.”

Mother held her a little tighter and reassured her, “Oh, you don’t have to worry, I’ll stay by you the whole time. I won’t ever leave you.” But as she said those words she hoped and prayed she would truly be able to fulfill them. What if, for some reason, she really would have to leave? She realized her daughter needed more than a human to be with her. People can fail, but there is One Who never fails.

“Treasa, there is another reason why you don’t have to be afraid. God is with you. He is with us right now, and He will never leave us.”

And indeed, He was with them. Treasa was calm and brave, and the doctors were able to help her fingers begin to heal.

Sometimes, even when we’re little, God works patience in us by the trying of our faith.

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Connie is the mother of 5 children and attends Hope Protestant Reformed Church in Walker; Michigan