Our Children Hear God

The Holy Spirit speaks to our children. I know many of us come from the old school mentality of children should be seen and not heard, but often times what our children have to say can be very insightful. We’ve all heard those sayings “they have been here before” and “they have wisdom beyond their years”, well, these are phrases that describe when the spirit is speaking through a child. When we raise our children based on the standards from the word of God, there are seeds planted in their hearts that will lead them into truth as they grow. Even before they are old enough to talk they realize when they have done something wrong. This is why before they do something they are not supposed to they look behind their shoulder to see if anyone is watching. My toddlers hide under the kitchen table when they have something they are not supposed to. Their disobedience (sin) causes them to feel shame (just like Adam and Eve), so their natural response is to hide. We all know there is no hiding from God and we don’t want our children to feel shame or condemnation that comes from the devil, so we must teach them conviction that comes from the Holy Spirit to lead them and guide them into truth. Conviction is that feeling that makes us want to look who’s watching before we do something. If we are worried about being caught, then we already know it is wrong. We need to train our children to pay attention to those feelings in order to keep them safe and out of trouble. Our children sense danger. Even as babies our children know who they feel safe with. Has your baby ever cried hysterically when they get around a certain person? Even if that person is someone that you personally love, don’t force them to go with them. Crying is their only defense and there is something about that person that makes them uncomfortable. Their Spirit is telling them no! As they get older we have to use our own discernment. We don’t want to be manipulated by tantrums or rebellion, but aware of a sense of true fear. As we continue to plant seeds of wisdom their decision making skills will become sharpened (even through their mistakes). They will say things like, “I knew I should have done that” or “I had a feeling that that was going to happen”. We have to make them aware that the “knowing/feeling” that they get is from their Holy Spirit. God speaks to all of us if we just pay attention! If we train them to pay attention while they are young then this will be normal practice for them as they get older and will help them navigate through situations more smoothly. We are living in a world that is now teaching what is wrong is right and what is right is wrong. If we don’t train our children then they will surely be confused. Their Holy Spirit is their defense against the wickedness that they face. By the time they become independent, they need to know the voice of God. They need to be sure of what they know and believe, so we must equip them to be prepared. Instead of shielding them we must give them strategy. The only way that we can do this is through prayer, the Word, and listening to our own Holy Spirit. Let us not fall victim to the times we live in but raise up a standard through our children that will tear down the gates of hell and defeat the enemy of their generation! We set a standard in our own homes. We define what is normal to them. We create the culture and atmosphere that they find comfort in. We must lay down the foundation of Jesus and give them an opportunity to use their gifts at a young age. We are generals and commanders of our soldiers (children). If we train and condition them now, they will be ready for the battles ahead. If we hide and protect them without giving them tools then they will be easily defeated when exposed to war.

John 16:13(NKJV)
13 However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come.

Romans 8:12-17(NKJV)
Sonship Through the Spirit
12 Therefore, brethren, we are debtors—not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh. 13 For if you live according to the flesh you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. 14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. 15 For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, “Abba, Father.” 16 The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, 17 and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together.

​Father we thank You for the Holy Spirit. We thank You that You have given Him to us so we may hear you clearly and make good decisions. Forgive us for not paying attention to Him or training our children how to obey the Spirit of God inside of them. Show us how to obey and train our children to do the same. Help us pay attention when You are speaking to and through our children. Give us discernment to recognize their gifts and train them by Your Word. Help us disciple our children into the greatness that they are called to. We declare that they will be a generation that will not be moved by the wickedness of the world but be a standard for truth and righteousness. Stir up a spirit of prayer in us that will cause us to function as parents in new levels. Speak to us that we may speak prophetically into our children’s lives and activate what God has already put inside of them. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen!