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Can My Child Hear From God?
Christian thoughts on every day parenting.
by Donna Shepherd
All materials copyrighted
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I will hear what God the LORD will say; For He will speak peace to His people, to His godly ones.
– Psalm 85:8 NASB
We teach our children to read the Bible, and to serve God and others, but how often do we teach our children to listen for the voice of
God?
My niece, Brooke, talks to God all the time and always has. When Brooke was four years old, her mother walked into the family room to
see her little girl with her hands raised, eyes closed, praising the Lord. Afterwards, Brooke told her mom about all the things she and
God talked about, in much the same way she would have discussed a phone call with her earthly father.
In the Old Testament, we read about Samuel, a young boy who heard God’s voice. God called out to Samuel three times before Samuel
realized it was God. The fourth time, he responded to God’s voice saying, "Speak, for your servant is listening" (1 Samuel 3:10).
God had Samuel’s undivided attention.
When we talk to our children, we expect them to listen. When God speaks, He expects His children to give Him that same consideration.
When we pray and teach our children to pray, we show our faith in God, that He is real, and that we want to have a personal relationship
with Him. In any relationship, communication is important, and I imagine listening to the Creator and Lord of All would be of utmost
importance!
Have you ever picked up the phone and the person on the other end began talking without needing to identify himself? In most cases,
that person would be a good friend with whom you’ve spent time. How do we learn to recognize God’s voice? He talks. We listen. We talk.
He listens. By spending time with God, we learn to know when He calls.
In the Bible, Jesus refers to Himself as our Shepherd, and we are His sheep.
John 10:27 (nkjv) - My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me.
As Christian parents, we should talk about and to God frequently. Isn’t it comforting to know that anytime you want, you can talk to
God? And even better, He’ll listen.
Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all
your heart. – Jeremiah 29:12-13
How does God speak? You may hear an audible voice as Samuel did, but more often, the Holy Spirit will lead by speaking to your heart, or
through His Word, the Bible—an important reason to help children memorize Scripture.
Make discussing spirituality a part of everyday life. You are your children's best example. Share with them when you’ve talked with God.
What did He say to you?
Does God speak in an audible voice? Rarely. But how will we ever hear if we don’t listen? Let’s give God our undivided attention.
BUSY Parents Tip
Books of Prayers are commonplace. How about making a Book of Answers? When you pray with your children, keep track of answers and
special ways you and your children have heard from God.
About The Author:
Donna J. Shepherd is the author of Topsy Turvy Land
and a contributing author to Anytime Prayers for Everyday Moms.
From bird watching to the Beatitudes, her writing touches the heart with wisdom and humor while feeding the mind with
daily portions of God's Word. Read more of her writing at Donna J. Shepherd.
Information provided in this column is for entertainment purposes only.
The information in this column is not meant to be taken as legal, medical, or professional advice.
Read legal disclaimer.
* This column is available for your publication, for a F-E-E.
This column may NOT be reprinted without monetary compensation and written permission from the author.
For reprint rights or comments/questions about this article, please contact the author.
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