The Innocent:

In the distant sky one could see splashes of red light decorating the clouds, just like blobs of paint decorate an artist's canvas. The morning sun was fast approaching. The Zulu hunters were checking their bodies to make sure they had all their weapons and elements for the great kill. This was the best season to hunt for big impalas. The impalas would be grazing in vast lands of green vegetation, and therefore would be oblivious to the danger awaiting them.
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There was some noise at the middle of the pack of herdsmen. The men were shifting to the left and the right, creating a pathway in between. The head hunter, being at the front, was trying to understand why they were creating the path. He was straining his neck to see what was at the middle of the men, but he could not see anything. The he saw her. He heard the sound of beads shaking, as the two little feet walked through the crowd. She couldn't be more than 4 years old, the King's daughter. Her name was Thandiwe. She walked with grace and with an all-knowing smile. She walked up to him in confidence and spoke in IsiZulu, a Bantu language. "Umzingeli (1), my father said I should give this to you. " She handed the beads to the head hunter, a symbol that her father's authority was now bestowed upon him. "Hambani Kahle (2)" she whispered. And then she turned and walked back towards the village.

(1) Umzingeli: hunter
(2) Hambani Kahle: go well

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From the lips of an innocent child came such power and authority. I felt strangely good after reading this scripture in Psalm 8:2, "Out of the mouth of babes and nursing infants You have ordained strength, because of Your enemies, that You may silence the enemy and the avenger."

Babes and nursing infants signify innocence, weakness, and fragility. Lack of strength. Lack of authority. Sheer innocence. So why do you think you need to prove that you are strong by yourself? Why do you need to put your physical muscles to the test? It is in your weakness that God can show off His strength.

So today, if you feel weak just lie in the arms of a strong God. Let Him use His authority to devour His enemies. You are strong because He gives you His strength, not because of your own strength. You cannot do all things by yourself, but by His grace. Have you ever felt fragile or weak in any situation? If your answer is 'yes,' through your innocence and weakness God will ordain His strength and authority. Just be a baby and a nursing infant in His arms, and He will make you strong.

And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” 2 Corinthians 12:9

Photo copyright: smwarnke4, flickr.