Let the Little Children Come

I have always viewed parenting as raising tiny disciples. I wanted my three boys to have authentic, personal relationships with Jesus. I would read the Scriptures to them even when they were babies, because I believed that His word would never return void (Is. 55:11). I tried to train and teach using the Scriptures while also growing myself in living out His truths. It took a lot of consistency, and I didn’t always feel like I knew what I was doing, but I trusted that He would move. 

What I couldn’t have imagined was three individual boys, each different in their own ways, all deciding they wanted to follow Jesus before age five. The questions would start. A certain Scripture story would suddenly be asked for on repeat. Something would shift, and I would think, “Oh, this is it. God is moving right now.” We would answer every question and make sure they understood the basics of their need for Jesus and what He did for them. After a couple weeks, I would be welcoming them into the kingdom with great joy and awe, the fruit of the Spirit becoming immediately noticeable as they said yes to a life with Him. 

Much of our culture seems to find children to be a distraction or an issue. I wonder if that’s what the disciples were thinking when they tried to prevent the children from being brought to Jesus after a time of answering questions to have Him pray and lay hands on them (Matt. 19:13). Jesus, however, had no issue taking time with these children, even using it as a time to teach the disciples that “the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these (Matt. 19:14).” While culture may see children through a different lens, God says they are a gift and reward from Him (Psalm 127:3) and that we must become like children to enter the kingdom of heaven (Matt 18:3). 

My children are my greatest ministry, and I’m blessed to learn from them as well. Their pure devotion and clear sense of right and wrong are so easy to see, but the most transformative thing to realize for us has been that He has a purpose and a plan for every believer, no matter how small they are. The Lord speaks to them in the same ways He speaks to us. He can bring a Scripture or encouragement to their mind to share. They are quick to pray and believe over any need that arises. Children have the same power within them, and God wants to use them; there is no pint-sized Holy Spirit. 

Sometimes,we may have to be a voice for our children just like Jesus was. I have had to advocate for my boys. I’ve felt the frustration of having to explain why we were going to keep our children with us in services. I’ve had a leader question my son’s salvation and refuse to baptize him, so we did it ourselves. Advocating for children can be exhausting, but I would repeat over and over that Jesus said “Let the little children come (Matt. 19:14).” Children who follow Jesus are a part of the body of Christ, and we function so much better together. Keep trusting Him as you raise your babies. Listen for Him moving, and believe God for His Spirit to work through their tiny frames. You’ll never regret it!

​“Jesus said, ‘Let  the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.’” Matthew 19:14 (NIV)

About the Author

My name is Saretta Wells, and I live in Alaska! I've been married to my husband Adam for 13 years, and we have three boys (Austin, Landon, and Hayden). I spend my days homeschooling/homemaking. I enjoy creating and spending time in the kitchen and garden.  I have a real heart for women getting in the whole word of God with confidence that the Holy Spirit will teach them, and I love spurring each other on to obedience. Connect with me at onepassionatemommi.wixsite.com/beloved-1/blog.