Seeing God by Faith
Bible Verse
Where could I go to escape from your Spirit or from your sight? If I were to climb up to the highest heavens, you would be there. If I were to dig down to the world of the dead, you would also be there. (CEV) Psalm 139:7-8
Our kids live in a material world. What's more, many people mock belief in things they cannot experience with their senses or understand with their minds. But God is invisible, infinite, and holy, and therefore exists beyond our senses and our minds. It takes faith to encounter God: "the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen" (Hebrews 11:1). In a world where seeing is believing, how can we help our kids in their everyday lives see God by faith?
Foster wonder
Children have two things we adults tend to lose: a natural wonder at the world and a vivid imagination. As parents we can help them apply their wonder to God and channel their imagination biblically to grow their faith. Talk with your child about how amazing and creative God is. Ask them to imagine with you what it must have been like when God made the world. Imagine together how people experienced the miracles of Jesus firsthand.
Don't dismiss doubts
Because of the nature of who God is, we find it difficult to grasp the reality of God with our human minds. When our children have honest questions about him, we should treat them seriously. Clarify each question to make sure you understand what they are asking. Assure them that their questions matter and that you are glad they asked them. Affirm that if we could totally understand God, he wouldn't be God! If you don't know the answer, just say so. Then turn to the Bible together to find truth.
Look for evidence
Just because we can't see God doesn't mean we can't see what he has done. His fingerprints are everywhere! Here are some ways you can direct your child's eyes to evidence that will build their faith:
- Read the Bible together, marveling at the fact that it is living and active and that everything it says is true.
- Go on a nature walk and talk about the order and beauty of the creation you see. What does it show us about its Creator?
- At the end of the day, make a list of all the things God provided for your family. Thank him for those gifts.
- Read true stories of missionaries and other followers of Christ who have seen God at work firsthand.
- Ask people in your church who have followed God for a long time to tell you and your child their testimony of God's work in their lives.
- Pray for members of your congregation, and celebrate with your child when those prayers are answered.
It is important to remember that one of the greatest affirmations of God's presence and care for our children is your presence and care for them as their parent. Engaging in these activities builds their faith in large part because you are doing it together. As our Heavenly Father has promised to never leave us or forsake us, we are to resemble his omnipresence by being present in the lives of our children. In being near their wonder and simple child-like faith, our faith will also be built up.
Want to do a deep dive. Check out Family Fire's article Finding Immanuel: Our God Who Longs to Draw Close
Chris Wheeler
Chris Wheeler is a writer, liturgist, and poet currently based in northwest Indiana. He enjoys writing about faith, art, and fatherhood, and is passionate about offering creative language for the church to use worship. He recently published his first book of poetry, "Solace: Poems for the Broken Season,". He lives in Middlebury, IN in his childhood home, with his wife and five children under eight.
