Sir Gibbie and Trust

So my sister-in-law Alesha really has me pegged as far as literature goes. Every book she's recommended I read, I have completely and thoroughly enjoyed. She credits this to something she picked up from her daddy, who can read people and recommend a movie that he knows they'll enjoy even if it's not his favorite. I would credit it to her ability to read people as well as the care she has for them.

Anyways, the latest book she had me read was Sir Gibbie by George MacDonald. (It can be found here for free online reading or here for a more modern translation of some of the Scotch phrases George MacDonald uses). The book follows the adventures of the son of a landless baronet in the streets and country around some unnamed town in Scotland. Without giving too much away, since I think y'all should read the book, wee Sir Gibbie is a sweet boy who is taught about Jesus by a simple woman Janet whose only theological training has come from reading her New Testament. He learns to read, and as he reads is convicted of who his Master is, and that he should be following His instructions.

The book really struck home with me, and convicted me of my pride. Having gone to Emmaus Bible College I have gained a decent knowledge of many facets of theology. I know several of the errors that have plagued the Church throughout history and proof texts that show the truth. I know the theological names for several truths shown in Scripture. However, from my more recent reading and discussions with friends that haven't gone to Bible colleges, I've found that sometimes faith is stronger when it is simpler. I'm not saying that knowledge of the Word is not a good thing to seek. I'm also not saying that strong theology is not necessary in this world where errors are rife and the enemy is constantly prowling. What I am saying is that those who only study their Bible and don't necessarily know all the fancy theological phrasings are not at a disadvantage when it comes to defending themselves from error. Sir Gibbie often thinks to himself in the book that he knows what is being told to him is false, and goes to study his Word to reassure himself. This is the habit I think we should all be in.

One of my favorite characters in the book was Janet. She was a shepherd's wife who lived on the side of a mountain with her husband, their dog Oscar and their milk cow. Her husband tended their lord's sheep in the pastures of the mountainside while she kept their home. They had a small cottage and so it didn't take much upkeep, and given that her children were all grown and she was too old to be able to travel well she had a lot of time to herself. She spent it in the best way possible, that is communing with her Lord and Savior Jesus in prayer and reading of the Bible. As I mentioned before, this is woman from whom Gibbie learned his faith. She, to me, is the embodiment of the simple faith that I should and can have if I were to trust Jesus as she did. The encouragement to trust Him, I think, is the best encouragement one believer can give to another.

One of my favorite lines from the book was: 

"It is the heart that is not yet sure of its God, that is afraid to laugh in his presence."
It was and is a good reminder to me that God truly is our Daddy and is infinitely better at the job than any earthly father could hope to be. We can laugh and be joyous with Him and we can cry on His shoulder. Again we can trust Him. He is infinitely good with infinite love for us. How awesome is that? So I pray for y'all and myself that we can learn to trust Him more.