We too often take our children and their well being for granted. We need to thank God and pray over them each and every day.

God places a high value on the lives of our children. Even during the one thousand millennial reign of peace on earth, Isaiah prophesies that “a little child shall lead them” (Isaiah 11:6). Jesus said, “Suffer the little children to come unto me and forbid them not; for such is the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 19:14). He also said, “Unless you are converted and become like children, you shall not enter the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 18:3, 4). Unless one humbles himself and comes to Christ in simple child like faith, he cannot enter heaven. Jesus also pronounces judgment on any who would despise, abuse, or offend “one of these little ones” (Matthew 18:6-11).

I learn a lot from children. We could gain much insight if we would listen to them. Here are a few notes that I have received over the years: “Dear Pastor, I have been a good Christian all of my life even when nobody was looking and didn’t have to. Love, Sheila, age 10.” “Dear Pastor, Do you think God knows my name? Even my teacher doesn’t know my name and I’ve been in her class for two years. Sincerely, Franklin”. “Dear Pastor, Are there any devils on earth? I think there may be one in my class. Celeste”. Dear Pastor, How does God know the good people from the bad people? Do you tell Him or does He read about it in the newspapers? Sincerely, Megan.” “Dear Pastor, I think the church should advertise so more people will come to church on Sunday. Everybody advertises. Even the people who make things that God doesn’t really like. Love, Lexy”. “Dear Pastor, When is God’s birthday? I would like to send him a present. Love, Harley, age 8.”

Satan has always tried to destroy the children. Pharaoh ordered all the Hebrew babies born in Egypt to be destroyed. A young mother defied his decree and hid her son. Moses became a great man of God. King Herod decreed that all the male children who were in the environs of Bethlehem be put to death (Matthew 2:16, 17). In America alone, millions of innocent babies have been slain since Roe versus Wade.

When God needs a deliverer, He chooses, calls, and develops a child. We may never fully realize the destiny and purpose of the children we are entrusted with.

Charles Swindoll gives us the following illustration:
“Take the year 1809. The international scene was tumultuous. Napoleon was sweeping through Austria; blood was flowing freely. Nobody cared about babies. But the world was overlooking some significant births.

William Gladstone was born that year. He became one of England’s finest statesmen. That same year, Alfred Tennyson was born to an obscure minister and his wife. The child would one day greatly affect the literary world.

On the American continent, Oliver Wendell Homes was born in Cambridge, Massachusetts. And not far way in Boston, Edgar Allan Poe began his eventful, albeit tragic, life.

That same year a physician named Darwin and his wife named their child Charles Robert.

An that same year produces the cries of a newborn infant in a rugged log cabin in Hardin County, Kentucky. The baby’s name? Abraham Lincoln.

If there had been news broadcasts at the time, I’m certain these words would have been heard: “The destiny of the world is being shaped on an Austrian battlefield today.” But history was actually shaped in the cradles of England and America.

Similarly, everyone thought taxation was the big news when Jesus was born. But a young Jewish woman cradled the biggest news of all: the birth of the savior.”

Isaiah prophesied of this child, “For a child will be born unto us, a son will be given to us, and the government will rest on His shoulders, and His name will be called wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6).

This child came to lead us back to the Heavenly Father. Have you humbled yourselves and in simple child like faith received Him as Savior and Lord? “For as many as received Him, gave He power to become sons of God, even as many as believed on His name.” (John 1:12)