“After this, the word of the LORD came to Abram in a vision: ‘Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your very great reward.’” Genesis 15:1

Teddy Bears Again!?

There is an illustration on the internet of a little girl and Jesus. Jesus is holding a giant stuffed teddy bear behind his back but the little girl is unwilling to let go of her small bear to receive the gift. The little girl can’t see that what Jesus has in store for her is better than what she already has. Jesus asks us to give Him our “small” teddy bear because He has a “bigger” teddy bear for us if we will just trust Him for the plans He has for us. Yes, this is truth!

“In you, LORD my God, I put my trust” (Psalm 25:1).

“’For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the LORD, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future’” (Jeremiah 29:11).

“Let the morning bring me word of Your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in You. Show me the way I should go, for to You I entrust my life” (Psalm 143:8).

As I have thought and reasoned about this little illustration over time, I have come to another conclusion about it. I don’t want either teddy bear. That’s right, neither. (Well, the truth is, I do, but let me explain.) What I want more than anything else in this world is the teddy bear-Giver. He is why we live. He is why we believe. He is why we do what we do. He is why we stay faithful in the little things.

“You, God, are my God, earnestly I seek You; I thirst for You, my whole being longs for You, in a dry and parched land where there is no water” (Psalm 63:1).

“For from Him and through Him and for Him are all things. To Him be the glory forever! Amen” (Romans 11:36).

“And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him” (Hebrews 11:6).

“His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness’” (Matthew 25:21).

 If I could draw, I would draw another picture to go with the one on the internet. In my picture, the little girl would be in Jesus’ arms, and both teddy bears would be on the ground. The caption would read, “I love You, Jesus! Let’s go!”

“Precious Jesus, You are my reward. You are why I live and have my being. Thank you for the “little teddy bears” and the “larger teddy bears” of this life. Help me to focus on You, the teddy bear-Giver. In Your Name I pray. Amen.”