“The Lord came and stood there, calling as to other times, ‘Samuel! Samuel!’ Then Samuel said, ‘Speak, for your servant is listening.’ And the Lord said to Samuel: ‘See, I am about to do something in Israel that will make the ears of everyone who hears of it tingle” (1 Samuel 3:10-11, NIV).
Does God speak to children? Yes.
My favorite instance of God speaking to a child is the story of Samuel. Samuel heard God’s voice because he was ministering to the Lord. His mother had brought him to church for that reason. You can read his story in the Book of Samuel in the Bible.
The first time I remember God putting something in my heart was when I was five. My father was in the hospital and we lived far from my grandparents. It was a hard time for our family and I was a sad little girl. One day, God said, “Cheer up!” I did.
Do you want God to speak to your child’s heart? There are ways to increase that possibility.
1. Ask God to speak to your children. Mothers in the Bible would pray for their children long before they were born, asking the Holy Spirit to be active in their child’s life.
2. Raise your children to have respect and reverence for God’s commands and to listen to His voice.
3. Talk to your children about the times God has spoken to you.
4. Take you children to church.
Remember, God does not communicate in a mystical voice. Rather, He speaks as a natural part of the relationship He has with His children.
Kimberly Snider works at Asia Pacific Media Ministries where she coordinates publications and advertising as well as produces many of the instructional materials that accompany video teaching series. Kimberly ministers at women’s retreats and media training workshops. Kim is a former schoolteacher. She has a BA from the University of Illinois and a MA from Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville.
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