All of God's Children Have Shoes

Illustration by "Van Bloemen" (1792-1844)

Many years ago, a dear old mother taught her children great faith in God.  She had no education and raised the family in material poverty.   She was one of many, many mothers in similar circumstances throughout history.  This dear lady, in particular, loved the Lord with all her heart.  She taught the children songs which cheered them on their daily path.

One of the songs went something like this:

"All of God's children have shoes. . .
In Heaven, Oh! In Heaven, they put on their shoes. . .
Oh in Heaven . . All of God's children have shoes."

The children smiled at this sweet lesson. I am sure they repeated the song as they walked the fields doing their chores.  They sang the song as they walked miles to school.  Often they had no shoes, or wore ones that were old and did not fit.  But they thought sweetly of Heaven and of their sweet Mama.  They learned of Great faith and of the journey to their Heavenly home.  There was something much more important to these children, than just their own lot in life. There was a future and a reward, where they would have wonderful shoes and get to be with God.

There is a beautiful prayer many of us say each day; it is taken from Scripture (Matthew chapter 6). Part of it goes, "Our Father which art in Heaven, Hallowed be Thy name. Thy Kingdom Come. Thy will be done. In earth as it is in Heaven.  Give us this day, our daily bread. . ."  This prayer acknowledges that God takes care of us today, as the needs come.  He may not always provide tomorrow's needs before it is necessary.   Often, we impatient children pray for a need and expect it to suddenly appear.  In this way, we are forgetting that it is not "OUR will" that must be done, but "HIS," and in His timing, for His purposes. (Romans 8:28)

We must have faith in Him, like a trusting child.  We are grateful to be called His very own children, and we are happy to work here in His service.  Sometimes, we must wait days, months, or years for our prayers to be answered.  At other times, our prayers are answered in beautiful ways. 

Mrs. C. H. Spurgeon suffered for most of her life as an invalid.  But she did incredible work for the Lord.  At times, her sickness and weariness caused her to pause and recover.  But once she was better, she got right back to work. She was the wife of the beloved British Pastor, Charles Spurgeon.  She was a loving mother of twin sons, and kept the home. She also faithfully did charity work (from home) to help other Pastors who suffered in want.  God blessed her efforts greatly.  Sometimes her prayers were slow to be answered. Other times, the need was supplied before she realized it was necessary!   There was a time when something she wanted (a "want" mind you), to cheer her.  Just some sweet things, -  an opal ring, and a singing bird.  She only told her husband. They both laughed, thinking it was not possible.  In those days, people were more practical and did not spend money on that which was frivolous.  Oh, but the Lord heard that little prayer and worked through the Saints, who didn't even realize her request.  These dear ones passed the little gifts on through Charles, as they were no longer needed in their own homes. And so it was that Mrs. Spurgeon got her ring and bird, to brighten her sick days.   Charles said to his dear wife, something like, "I think you are one of God's spoiled children."  And how dearly sweet and precious it was!

Our prayers are like songs that reach heaven.  We may have dire needs, or little childish requests.  Yet, when we trust our Heavenly father to meet those needs whether it be here on earth, or after we pass the gates of Heaven, and are content with HIS perfect will, we will be happy in heart.  Our little songs and prayers, as we travel along this life, pass on sweet lessons to those around us because of our FAITH.

Just remember, whenever you may find your faith weakening, or your heart getting weary, remember that dear old mother who taught her little ones, that all of God's children have shoes.

Blessings
Mrs. White

From the Archives-

Precious Homemaking - A Covered Bridge and Graceful Living in Rural Vermont. 

Blessed by the Work - Old Fashioned Duty of a Homemaker. 

Teaching Grandchildren - Tea Time - The Importance of Formal Ceremony at Home.

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Find Home-keeping Inspiration, in Mrs.White's book - For The Love of Christian Homemaking.  Paperback, 274 pages.