Let the little children lead me to Jesus

In my church we have lots of children. I like to watch them learn about the world around them, because they look at life and understand God in a simple way. I admire their faith and innocence. They help me reflect on Jesus’ words in Luke 18:15-17:

“Let the children come to me, and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God. Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it.” 

I remember teaching a lesson in Sunday school—I think it was about Daniel and the lions’ den. Even though I can be hard to understand because of my disability, the children were responsive and interested in what I had to say. I asked them questions about this Bible story and most of their answers were correct. They listened to me! Not all adults have patience for me, but the way the kids listened helped me understand how God hears me. 

But sometimes kids don’t remember what they hear. Once when I volunteered at a day camp, during craft time one of the volunteers asked the kids what they’ve learned. One child told her that “the lions ate Daniel up.’’ We all laughed because that’s exactly what didn’t happen! It was back to the drawing board! Like we did for that child, sometimes God has to repeat something to me over and over again before I understand.

I remember another time when I volunteered as a camp counselor. I was excited to go and help, especially because I was asked to give my testimony. I programmed my story into my communication device, because the computer is clearer than my speech. 

When the day came, I watched as the children listened intently to the device. Their eyes grew wide with awe as I shared what God has done for me. I started with my birth, explaining how I was so sick that I almost died. Then I went on to explain how God was helping me in school. The main point that I was trying to teach was that nothing is impossible with God and that he is the only one who can help us with our challenges. 

After I shared my testimony, the children had lots of questions about my disability. Of course I was happy to answer their questions and I inwardly prayed for them. As I saw how the children responded to the gospel and how open they were to me, I was reminded that God is at work in the world, and that he is someone who wants to use my unique story to help others know him too. 

I’m so thankful for how children help me know God better! 

Every time I hold a newborn baby or even a toddler, I’m reminded how much God loves and cares for me and that I need God’s help with everything in life. 

Every time I hear a baby cry, I think about how often I cry out to God and how he hears me. 

Every time I see a child’s eagerness to learn, I’m reminded that I need to be open to whatever God is trying to teach me.

Children are a blessing from God. Yes, they may be hard to handle sometimes, but I see them as a gift from God.