Prayer For Childlike Faith

5 Unexpected, Profound Characteristics of Child Faith

What does it mean to have child faith?

Childish and child are similar words with vastly different meanings. The former encapsulates all the worst things about children – petulance, immaturity, obnoxiousness, selfishness, and so on. It is antithetical to faith.

The latter, though, describes all the beautiful things about children – trust, joy, innocence, curiosity, wonder, forgiveness, and so much more. This word, child, is the flavor our faith in God ought to have.

What follows are five characteristics of child faith that make faith robust, rich, and full of life.

a child.

1) Child faith asks honest questions

When I say that faith a child asks honest questions, I mean questions that do not challenge or subvert or undermine. They simply want to know the truth. Yes, children are sinful and do challenge authority, but think of their curious questions, their eager questions, their innocent question. Each one has a single motive: teach me.

We forget this as adults because we encounter (or ask) so many loaded questions – questions with ulterior motives, meant to challenge, designed to undermine or embarrass. We become passive aggressive with our questions or just confrontational.

Children are not this. They are just eager to know truth.

Child faith asks honest questions.

2) Faith a child asks openly

Un adults, children do not fear for their reputation or image and do not care who is around when they ask a question. This can create some awkward situations when they wonder “why is that lady wearing that” or get curious in the feminine care aisle at Target.

But they simply want to know and think nothing at all of who knows they have a question. There is no shame and no embarrassment until we teach them to be embarrassed.

Children also focus only on the one they are asking with complete trust that an answer will be forthcoming. This is part of the reason they ask so openly; they are only thinking of one person, the one who can provide their answer.

Child faith asks openly.

3) Child faith asks from a place of vulnerability with the expectation of an answer

When they are little children see parents as omniscient. They expect parents to know everything, but over time are forced to come to grips with all the things parents don’t know.

Children instinctively know that their knowledge is limited, even if they can’t articulate it; that’s why they ask so many blasted questions. So to find out Dad and mom can’t answer all their questions takes a position of vulnerability and makes it feel uncertain and tenuous.

They start with total trust then grow it.

We don’t have to grow vulnerability and total trust in God, though. We can grow in it. Un parents, God does know everything, including so much that is beyond our capacity to ask or understand.

We can be utterly dependent, or rather admit our dependence. We can be completely vulnerable, honest, and open with our questions and we can expect that God will answer us with precisely what we need. Child faith is that which knows we don’t know, knows He does, and asks with the expectation that the answer He gives will be the right one.

We can be confident that even in our weakness, God’s grace is sufficient.

Child faith expects answers.

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4) Faith a child doesn’t know what’s best for them most of the time, but they trust their parents

Parents generally know what is best for kids, or at least they know better than kids do. No candy for breakfast, don’t play in the street, don’t eat that glue, don’t poke the cat, eat your veggies, do your homework, don’t hit your sister.

Children get frustrated with these commands even though they are for their good just we get frustrated with how God knows what is best for us and commands us accordingly.

Children don’t always understand why parents say “no” or “do this.” Often the reason is simply beyond their maturity or capacity for understanding. And despite griping and moaning, if parents are loving and generally stable, kids trust them. Kids have an incredible capacity for trust.

Child faith trusts the parents.

5) Child faith trusts and finds satisfaction with parents

Even if children are frustrated or confused by parents, so long as the parents show love the children will trust them deeply and take pleasure in their presence. Kids are home with parents.

Three years ago my family moved from Illinois to Tennessee. At the time my daughters were seven and four, and the move was pretty smooth for them. They were happy throughout the process with just a couple exceptions. That’s because they were with their parents. They were safe and loved and secure.

Imagine if we had handed them each a duffel bag and a bus ticket and sent them to Tennessee. It would have killed them, maybe literally.

How much more should we take pleasure in God’s presence even when we cannot understand His reasons and the future seems terribly uncertain.

We know His love, shown for us in Jesus that while we were yet sinners Christ died for us. We know His promises: I will never leave you or forsake you, I will be with you always, nothing can separate you from the love of Christ, fear not for I am with you.

God is the answer to our questions and doubts and the soothing for our anxieties. His presence and love is what we need, always.

Children get this. They understand so little yet they are so much more right than we are. We have grown faith in so ways.

Child faith finds satisfaction with parents.

Источник: //theblazingcenter.com/2016/07/5-characteristics-of-childlike-faith.html

10 Incredible Child Faith Attributes You Should Pursue

Matthew 18:3-4 King James Version (KJV)

3 And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.

4 Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.

How does child faith present itself? We are going to look at a child’s faith and what attributes that we should not lose as we grow older. The bible tells us that unless we have the faith of a child we will not see heaven. To learn about child faith I have returned to the source; children.

When she was six years old, my sister would say to me, “You know what they say, if at first you don’t succeed, just try and try and try again.” If that is not a lesson we should all carry throughout life, I do not know what is.

I remember the first time that she asked me something that I didn’t have an answer for, and responded to that effect. She became visibly upset. In her eyes it was not that I was unable to provide an adequate answer, but that I was unwilling to. She repeatedly said, “You know everything!” That is child faith. It knows no limitations or boundaries. There are no hindrances to possibility.

We have taught our kids what they teach us today, #ChildFaith. However we do not always act the same way that we teach them to?

As we grow older we learn more things. This newly acquired wealth becomes the bricks that we use to erect boundaries on what we believe to be possible. That is sadly how our faith applies to God. As we get comfortable in our faith, we are no longer stretched, we begin to erect boundaries on what our God can and cannot do.

Our boundaries are made up of disappointments that we have had. They are made up of things that we have believed for and not seen.

Everything that we have heard and seen of him doesn’t begin to push the boundaries of who he is and what he can do.

Having created all the planets in the galaxy, vast animal species and plants, he remains OMNIPOTENT!

Child faith is stubborn & Unshakable

You cannot convince a child that their parent is not the best one out there. I know children who would throw toys the pram if you were to say that their father or mother is not as good as another parent. These are the sort of things that little boys in play grounds would fight over when I was growing up. 

The sentiment stretches on to super heroes. Children will argue for hours on end over which super hero is better than another is all sorts of different scenarios. You will hear them say, of course aquaman is better than superman when if they were to fight in water. You cannot possibly convince them otherwise.

Our faith in Christ should be along the same patterns. Nothing! Absolutely nothing should be able to convince of anything that is contrary to who he is. There will be winds, storms and torrents in life. Unless your faiths becomes that of a child, you will be shaken and lose your way. Child faith will hold on to its truth no matter what stands contrary. 

Child faith is Dependent

One of the the ways in which life models faith is in the area of dependency. When we are babies we depend on our parents, nannies, guardians and anyone else willing to help us. They are responsible for our survival. If not for them, we would starve. If not for them, we would fall to the weather elements and die of disease.

Everything we do in that period is down to their contribution. As we grow a little older, perhaps when we start to move on our own we start to desire independence. We want to be able to do things on our own. The world expects this of us. It is great to be independent and able to support those that have supported us.

The only problem is that this also becomes the way that our faith in Christ is. God forbid that we would not mature as Christians. Maturity in Christ must present itself in increased dependency. The more you are able to see and do in Christ, the more you need his guidance.

Christian leadership hinges on this principle. Where you will find leaders falling off in ministry, they have begun to take the place of God. Once that desire for dependency is lost, we slowly get lost as well. 

John 15:4-6 New King James Version (NKJV)

4 Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me.

5 “I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing. 6 If anyone does not abide in Me, he is cast out as a branch and is withered; and they gather them and throw them into the fire, and they are burned.

Child faith is Open & Vulnerable

I have been trying to remember who said these words, “The best way to pray is to tell God everything as if he knows nothing!” Child faith requires an openness and vulnerability which most of us have lost due to our experiences in life.

Children are vulnerable because they have yet to be betrayed and let down. As these experiences come along, as they do, we build barriers around ourselves. We guard what we say.

We hide the most intimate bits of ourselves, lest someone would use them against us. 

The scripture teaches us to guard our hearts. 

Proverbs 4:23 New International Version (NIV)

23 Above all else, guard your heart,
     for everything you do flows from it.

Vulnerability allows us to create an opportunity for God to intervene on our behalf. It also gives us an ear that cares and can make changes in our favour. Just to have God as an audience is transformational. 

Children are not afraid to open up and show their weaknesses and struggles. No, not until we teach them to do so. I challenge you to unlearn this, at least when it comes to the Lord.

Child faith Yields

To yield is to concede, to give in. Child faith yields to the almighty God. It acknowledges his power and says “have your way.” This is something that we are encouraged to do at all times. We have an open invitation to bring our cares before the Lord.

1 Peter 5:7 New King James Version (NKJV)

7 casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.

Matthew 11:28-30 New King James Version (NKJV)

28 Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.29 Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am [a]gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”

We are all weary at one point or another. Instead of trying to hide it or fight it, child faith yields and taps into the vastness of God’s power.

You will be have cares throughout life, but do not have to carry these alone. This is a truth that children know and hold dear.

When there is anything that they cannot handle, they do not hesitate to call on their parent or guardian to step in and assist them. 

Child Faith Seeks no Logic

One of the greatest barriers to faith in this century is logic. Faith is illogical. This is in its definition. 

Hebrews 11 New King James Version (NKJV)

By Faith We Understand

11 Now faith is the [a]substance of things hoped for, the [b]evidence of things not seen. 2 For by it the elders obtained a good testimony.

3 By faith we understand that the [c]worlds were framed by the word of God, so that the things which are seen were not made of things which are visible.

We do not require faith for what is seen. Outside of faith there is no relationship with God. Granted beyond this barrier is an incredible experience that starts to bring what is unseen into what is seen. 

There are some things that you and I ought not take into the new year. There are some things that need to be shaken off before you and I enter a new season. If you are to better in the new year, you ought to adequately prepare for it. Today’s post will remind us a lesson that we often teach our children, yet have forgotten ourselves.C

Child Faith is Relentless

Life often teaches us not to depend on others. We are let down so we begin to turn inward. Child faith is undeterred by past or present. No matter how many times you tell a child no, they will ask again. One of the mosts irritating periods is when a child begins to speak and won’t stop! Yet, our father in heaven delights in his children coming to him in times of need.

The amount of let downs that we experience also mean that we hold on to things. Things that we will carry into future relationships. Being let down by trusted loved ones also impedes on our ability to trust in the Lord. When fatherhood is not done right, children will often be unable to understand the role and love of a father.

Child faith is quick to forgive and to forget. It doesn’t hold record of wrongs. What has been has been. We are not to let it erect barrier on what is to come.

I am writing to you who has given up on that dream, on that vision, on that business, on that calling that God has given you. Just because doors have not opened, just because you have faced resistance does not mean you will not make it. Many give up and begin to think something is not meant for them because they have encountered resistance. They need only refer back to the bible.

Exodus 9:1

Then the LORD said to Moses, “Go to Pharaoh and say to him, ‘This is what the LORD, the God of the Hebrews, says: “Let my people go, so that they may worship me.”

This is long after the Lord had granted them their promised land. There were not there yet, but the land was promised to Abraham. God being loyal to his word to the death was going to see this through, just as he is going to see your dream through!

The Israelites were refused exit by Pharaoh multiple times at Moses’s request, but that did not mean that God had changed his plan for them. That did not mean that the promised land was no longer their.

Moses did not stop approaching Pharaoh no matter how many times he was rejected. Do not stop chasing your dreams no matter how many times you fail, no matter the struggle!! Just try, try and try again. It is time to reach deep inside for that child faith. It is time to win again! Be relentless!

Let’s do this together, write down some challenges that have stood or are standing in your way. I want you to do this prophetically, tear that list once you have written it. That’s what the Lord will do to your adversaries in this year. They will not stand. You will be victorious. In fact you are victorious.

Prayer

Father we thank you for being relentless, for never giving up on each one of us. We thank you for your relentless love. May your grace continue to shepherd us, just as you are the good shepherd.

We adore you. In this coming year, I will pursue my dreams never before, I will not give up, for I know you are with me and you will always be. Thank you for that knowledge and the victory. In Jesus’ name.

Amen.

Originally posted 2014-12-29 22:20:24.

Источник: //www.prayerrelay.com/childlike-faith-2015/

Maturing in Faith: Childish vs. Child Faith

I frequently contemplate the gift of genuine faith, and how it is the foundation of our lives. Yet, so many things yield to mold our faith. For example, different virtues aid in shaping our intrinsic character, the Sacraments help to build and sustain our faith, and even the trials and suffering we face can greatly impact our faith and trust in God.

Maturing Faith as a College Student

This year, I finished my first semester of college. I can attest that this transitional time in my life produced a very special personal transformation through the grace of God.

I attended a private Catholic all-girl high school and held an executive position for my school’s Campus Ministry.

The transition from Catholic high school to Catholic university gave me the comfort of being surrounded by people who understood and practiced the same Faith.

Sure enough, God opened my narrow mind and walked me through my transformation of childish faith to the child faith He calls us to in the Gospels.

In my first semester as a college student, I’ve learned three important things about maturing my faith.

1. Be transparent to find friends who foster your best self

My mom always told me, “Tell me who your friends are, and I will tell you who you are.”

Naturally, we all surround ourselves with friends who share the same interests, hobbies, and perspectives. More often than not, we find ourselves in our own friends.

However, I will be the first to admit that college made me feel overwhelmingly small, just a small drop of water in the vast ocean. I had trouble finding honest friendships.

Because of my internal friction and dishonesty with myself, I attracted and welcomed the wrong kinds of friends. The more time I spent making new “friends,” the less time I spent seeking communion with God.

In this instance, my childish faith got the better of me and hid away my passionate love for God. My immature faith made me deny myself, and as a result, made me deny God.

I felt publicly ashamed to make the Sign of the Cross before meals or to walk to the chapel before Mass in fear of being seen by my peers.

Knowing Myself in Him

During this time of hiding from God, I felt the roaring chaos knocking on the door of heart. I felt empty, and began to fill this void with unfulling vices, toxic friendships, and superficial facades. I felt unworthy of prayer, love, and salvation from God because I sought my own self-glory.

But God is so merciful and loyal that He made the first move, again, to invite me into His embrace. Through a Saint Paul’s Outreach missionary from my college’s Campus Ministry, I found joy in the Lord again. This missionary filled my heart with Truth and healed it with love through the Lord. I was reminded to be bold for Christ and to reclaim my identity as God’s beloved daughter.

I felt my cup was full—overflowing even—with God’s graces because of this reconnection with God. With the help of this missionary, I joined a women’s small group and have made honest friends who help foster a true child faith in me.

2. Seek the efficacious graces of the Sacraments and the stillness of Adoration

It wasn’t until college that I really felt a calling to the Sacraments and to Adoration, which helped nurture my child faith. The Sacraments are the visible and tangible signs of God’s invisible reality.

They institute a personal encounter with the Holy Trinity. Every time we willingly participate in the Sacraments, especially the Holy Eucharist, we become witnesses and recipients of these effective graces from God.

During Adoration, it took me a while to adjust to the lack of sound and movement. In a hedonistic and instantaneous world, Adoration made me uncomfortable.

I was itching to mindlessly scroll through my social media feeds or make mental lists of the things I needed to accomplish. My mind was always so preoccupied with my busy schedule or the loudness of the world that I forgot what quietness sounded .

I had to train my ears to listen in Adoration, not for the next sound I’ll hear, but for the voice of Jesus Christ.

Adoration is a time where you can simply be in awe of the King of Heaven and Earth, where you can literally adore the God who is humbly veiled as bread. In Adoration, your soul can rest in the abundance of God’s love.

3. Find communion with God in your suffering

Have you ever thought about how human suffering can bring communion with others? Countries affected by natural disasters have been given money and food donations from all over the world.

Even families touched by cancer have brought them closer together. Our compassionate human hearts move us to empathize with those in pain.

Imagine how God’s merciful Heart moves when we invite Him into our sorrow.

Through my own pains and suffering, God wants to reverse my childish faith and transform it into a child faith. He asks me to surrender my pride and control to Him, and to invite Him into the chaos of my life. Most importantly, He wants to be a Father to me.

What are some ways you seek to be become more mature and child in your faith?

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Isabella Somera, commonly known as Issa, is a college student discovering the compatibility of science and religion through her studies. She seeks to live a life of humble gratitude and Truth, and shares her life reflections on her Instagram accounts (here and here). Her love of puns, dogs, food, family, friends, and faith are the joys of her life gifted to her by the Lord!

Источник: //blessedisshe.net/the-blog/childish-childlike-faith/

Child Faith

Child faith or simple faith is a kingdom blessing prerequisite. As you will see in the Inspirational Christian videos “The Jesus Movie,” Mothers and Fathers wanted Jesus to bless their children. The disciples disapproved and rebuked the parents. Jesus rebuked His disciples.

Jesus said, “Verily I say unto you, Except you turn, and become as little children, you shall in no wise enter into the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 18:39 (ASV). In the Abraham Movie, Abraham is the “Father of Faith.

” As Christian disciples our blessings are dependent on our child faith in God.

Learning to Trust God

Child faith is the ability to trust God. So, let go and let God. That’s right! God’s got you. Remember God is your Father. You are His child, your Heavenly Father will not let you fall. “He will put His angels in charge of you to protect you in all your ways. They will carry you in their hands so that you never hit your foot against a rock.” Psalms 91:11-12(GW).

There are no “ifs, ands or buts.” You can have what you ask for. Just have faith in God. Jesus Ministry included teaching the kingdom principle of child faith.

He used the mustard seed parable (Matthew 13:31-32). In Christianity today, a “child faith” theme would make great sermons for kids. However, adults can learn from it, too.

We are all children of God regardless of our age, size or color

A mustard seed measures two millimeters in length. It doesn’t look much, but it can do a lot.  The power lies within. For instance, you can receive God’s promise of eternal salvation with faith the size of a mustard seed.

Believe and Receive

Child faith is following God’s “To Do List.” It is probably the shortest one in the world. Jesus tells us to speak, believe and receive. God said to “trust and obey.”

Child faith gives you heavenly access. A popular slogan asks a question. “What would Jesus do?” Well, let’s look at what Jesus did. Jesus performed supernatural creative miracles. With child faith, we can do the same.  We are vessels of God.

“For it is God who is producing in you both the desire and the ability to do what pleases him.”(Philippians 2:13). Stop trying to figure it out. As said by Nike, “Just Do It!” We can do what Jesus did, but greater.

John 14:12 a(NLT) Jesus states, “ I tell you the truth, anyone who believes in me will do the same works I have done, and even greater works…”

Child faith is what you need to tap into the supernatural supply room of God. You can access treasures from heaven. If you need it, heaven has it. God has everything you need. Just ask. Everything you get is for keeps.

Jesus would look toward heaven. It was a child looking up at his father. He did what His Father told Him do. Everything God said to Him, He said to us. “without me you can do nothing.” (John 15:5).

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Measure of Faith

I am reminded of a song about faith. “You don’t need a lot.” Just use what you’ve got.” “… according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.” Romans 12:3(KJV). God gave us supernatural child faith. As I have heard my spiritual parents say, “It’s in you!” God has given you what you need.

A childhood commercial stated, “ father, son.” The son believes he can do everything his father does. us, according to Jesus, “…the Son can do nothing of Himself, unless it is something He sees the Father doing; for whatever the Father does, these things the Son also does in manner”(John 5:19).

We, too, are God the Father and Jesus His Son.

With child faith, the seemingly impossible becomes possible. Sleep through your storm. (Matthew 8:23-27). Sleep on your problems. (Daniel 6: 16-23). Leave your prison of pity for the Parliament of Praise (Genesis 41:1-57). Speak to the winds in your life (Mark 4:39). Run and tell the good news (John Chapter 8).

Spread the gospel of Jesus Christ with child faith. Tell someone how He changed your life. You name it, you can do it. Boldly go where no man has gone before! “Go ye into all the world….”

Share your comments or one of your faith-building testimonies. Visit our site at KNCB.ORG  for more inspirational Christian articles, Christian music, sermon videos and more. Be sure to get your new “Walk By Faith” greeting cards and prints. Kingdom Blessings to you and yours!

©Vivian Caine – All Rights Reserved

Источник: //www.kncb.org/2015/08/07/childlike-faith/