Do you trust mummy and daddy to do so and so…? Does that sound like a familiar question you ask your kid as a parent? I bet it does. Most times we get into conversations with our children where they are asking-more like pestering us- for something and then we tell them they can have it later. But they come back later within seconds and ask about the same thing over and over and over again. One thing that often helps when all my explanations have failed is to play the trust card! I simply ask if they trust mummy and daddy to do or take care of that seemingly important, it can’t wait request they have? Lol. The answer to that question varies depending on their request. Teaching our kids to trust us is a process and it reminds me of how important it is that they don’t just trust us but ultimately learn to trust God!
Because kids can trust people easily, it’s very important that we teach and model what trusting God means and looks like as early as we can and as often as we can!
Proverbs 3:5 instructs us to trust in the Lord with all our heart and not to depend on our own understanding. What does it mean for our children to trust God? It simply means that they can believe that God is who He says He is and He will do what He says. Because kids can trust people easily, it’s very important that we teach and model what trusting God looks like as early as we can and as often as we can! The Bible constantly shows us who God is- loving, Patient,Mighty, strong, forgiving, healing and so much more. We need to show them as they read their Bible who God is and how He can be trusted. There are so many examples of different men and women who believed in God and what He promised them. If our children can truly see and know who God is then they can trust Him even when they don’t understand.
As a parent, look for opportunities to share your own stories with your children of the things you have depended on God for, from the basic need of food to the need for healing, talk about how God used both the happy and unhappy endings, how you had to wait for “forever” to see a prayer answered or how you don’t know why something you prayed about didn’t end up happening as you imagine. All of these will help them see that they can rely on God’s goodness and faithfulness. They will learn that just because your expectations weren’t met doesn’t mean that God can’t be trusted. It will not only inspire them to thank God for the things He did but it will also help them to believe that God’s got them.
What does it mean for our children to trust God? It simply means that they can believe that God is who He says He is and He will do what He says.
We pray that as your child prays this month about trusting God, God will help them to constantly remember when they feel anxious, afraid, and unable to control certain things that He loves them and they can trust that He is good. He is faithful and He is at work in the good and even the bad circumstances.
Michael Taiwo
Very well written, as usual! Thank you for sharing.
Funke Awojide
Thank you so much Bro Michael!
Modupeola Balogun
Oh wow! Thanks Treasure! Words on marble!
Funke Awojide
Thank you so much Sisto Dupe!
Kolawole Balogun
Hmm, we are the “God” our children see before they see the real God. We have to model God to them.
Thanks Treasure.
Funke Awojide
Yes we definitely have to model God to them! Thank you Broda.