How God Speaks to Children

I heard the most awesome story recently. You can read it in detail here from my friends Peter Haas and Carolyn Haas.

At age 10, their daughter prayed, “God would You reveal Yourself to me and speak to me about our church’s facilities?”

God gave her a specific vision of a building that Substance Church of Minnesota was going to acquire in the future.

She drew a picture and shared the details God had told her about the building and the challenges and successes they would have to go through to get it.

Peter posted this photo comparing the drawing his daughter drew from her God-given vision three years ago and the building they moved into a few weeks ago (second photo inset).

I couldn’t keep the smile off my face—my heart was full as I finished reading this amazing story.

It reminded me …

… of my dad, whose call to preaching ministry came at age 7.

… of a young man named Samuel saying, “Speak, Lord, for Your servant is listening.”

… of a group of adolescents, who, along with their ringleader, Daniel, influenced a king and changed a culture.

… of a young man named Joseph with big dreams, a colorful coat and a pivotal future post in government.

… of a young girl named Mary, who was visited by an angel and given a divine message and calling.

… and of the promise in Acts 2:17: “‘In the last days it shall be,’ says God, ‘that I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh; your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams.’“

It’s clear that God regularly speaks to and through young people. Pastors, parents and leaders, we must be intentional about affirming the young among us. They are not only our hope and future, they are the church of today, the prophets, visionaries, healers, hands and feet of Christ in the here and now.

“Jesus said to them, ‘Yes. Have you never read, “Out of the mouths of children and infants You have perfected praise”?'” (Matt. 21:16).

Watch the Sermon Peter Haas preached on this story called “The Downtown Miracle.” {eoa}

Rob Hoskins in the president of OneHope, an international Christian ministry working with children and youth in more than 125 counties.

For the original article, visit robhoskins.onehope.net.