How John Used His Sword

Do you have a sword? John does, but it isn’t made of shiny metal. It is “the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.”* (Ephesians 6:17) You see, even though John is only twelve, he knows there are spiritual enemies to fight and he needs to be prepared. One day he defended his whole family from attack when—but wait! I am getting ahead of my story.

Life isn’t easy for John’s family since their father left many years ago. Mother has to work hard to take care of the six children, but she trusts God to help them. “I am thankful that I have work,” she told them. “Many people can’t find jobs right now.”

Each day John and his sisters knelt to pray when Mother left for work. John knew that he had a heavenly Father who cared for them, and that made him feel happy. One day he read Jesus’ words in Mark 11:34: “Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.” “This is a wonderful promise,” John realized. “I want to trust God just like Jesus did.” He decided to memorize the verse. Soon it was tucked in his heart, ready for any problems that would come. It wasn’t long before he would need it.

One morning, as usual, Mother left the house early so that she could get to the field on time. When John knelt with his sisters to pray, his mind filled up with all the good things God had done for them. “Be with Mother today and bless her in her work,” he prayed. He remembered his memory verse, and smiled. “I believe that You know how to take good care of us!”

It was late morning when the door opened and Mother came in. “What happened?” John’s sister asked in surprise. “Why are you home so early?”

“Someone else took my job,” Mother said sadly. “I got to the field on time, but it was no use.” The children gathered around and her shoulders sagged in discouragement. “I don’t know what we’ll eat tonight—there is no money to buy food!”

As the spirit of gloom filled the room, John took out his sword. He knew that Jesus would defend them. It was time to fight!

“Don’t be worried, Mother,” he said quickly. “We prayed for you and I know God heard us. Remember that Jesus said, ‘Believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.’”

“I suppose so,” Mother said slowly. “But I don’t know where I could get another job.”

She still was discouraged, but John wouldn’t give up. Out came the ‘believe and receive’ sword again. “We’ll just ask the Lord to show you where to go, and He’ll give you a job,” he said, confidently. “God knows where all the jobs are.”

This time Mother smiled. “You are right, son. It may be late in the day, but God can do anything.” John was right. The spirit of gloom couldn’t stand before the shining sword of God’s promises. As Mother headed out to look for work, he tucked his weapon away and smiled. He wasn’t surprised when she came home that night rejoicing. “God gave me a new job, children! It was the first house I went to, just like John said.”

“Believe and receive,” John repeated. “That’s God’s promise.”