Who Does God Want to Be for You?

By Sarah Humphrey

The lives of children are complexly simple. They are also beautifully honest.

The presence of children in our lives nurtures a part of our hearts that we’ve often left behind somewhere. They always seem to ask just the right questions to make adults think twice, gather themselves, or sometimes even get frustrated. It’s as if God gave us children, not only because they are a delight from Him, but also because they are the truth-telling witness we often need.

I’ve had countless experiences where my kids have ministered to me when I was supposed to be ministering to them! I bet you have, too. Children are full of thoughts, they take the Bible literally and believe it, and their black and white thinking is often a beautiful source of faith, conviction, and grace.  As adults and caregivers, we can get so overwhelmed by the details that we forget the beauty of the Gospel is in the presence of these little ones. They often point us back to our own need for our Father, and they give us grace to rest in Him again.

The world is a different place now than it was when we were children.  Though kids are facing some similar needs, they are also facing many new challenges.  That can feel both overwhelming and also all-encompassing.  One of my favorite questions when I struggle is: “Who does God want to be for me right now?” I’ve started to ask my kids the same question when we work through different struggles, fears, and cycles of defeat.

When we aren’t able to do things ourselves, we become desperate for a God who can save us. And when we reach that point, we re-learn our faith. We get to ask Jesus: “Who do You want to be for me in this place? How do You want to show Yourself to me? Where I am insufficient, where are You all-sufficient?” This is the God of the Bible; He is Jesus. He is the King of Kings, the All-Powerful One, and the Maker of Heaven and Earth.  It’s these times that we remember that He is God, and He wants to provide for us.

Take 30 minutes and spend time making an opposites list with your kids.  Ask them to write down anywhere from 1-5 struggles they might be having currently.  After they have named where they lack, go to the Bible and find the Name of God or the Bible verse that fulfills their need.  Have them write it down or make an art piece about it, and hang it up somewhere they can see it often.  God is good, and His delight is in providing for His children.

Sarah is a wife and homeschool mom to three kids while also working as an artist, author, and voice actor.  Her writing and doodling can be found in her devotional, “40 Days to a Joyful Motherhood” and her voice in several commercials, children’s books, and audiobooks. She loves encouraging women and kids to embrace self-care, utilize their gifts, and become leaders in the community around them.