7 Simple Ways to Help Children Know that God is Real
Do you want your children to know that God is real? If so, you have the blessed privilege and responsibility of sharing the Gospel with them. The Bible is full of stories about how God has worked in history, and these stories can help children understand that He is still active today. It tells the story of how God created the world and how He has been active throughout history, even when people have not always been aware or appreciative of His presence. It is amazing to see how God's plans and purposes never change.
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No matter what we go through, He has a plan for each one of us! God's Word also reminds us that we can trust Him to be faithful to His promises, even when we don't understand what He is doing. In this blog post, we will discuss seven simple ways you can help your children know that God is real. I pray these simple tips will be helpful to you as you raise your children in a Christ-centered home.
Here are seven simple ways to teach your children that God is real:
1. Help them see and understand that the Bible is true.
The Bible is the true story of how God has worked in history. When you read the Bible with your children, help them to understand that these are not just stories, but true accounts of how God has intervened in the world. You can also supplement your reading with books or videos that tell more about the historical context of the Bible stories. When children see that the Bible is true, they will be more likely to believe that God is real.
"Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth." - John 17:17
2. Share your testimony.
Sharing your testimony with your children is one of the most powerful things you can do to instill faith in their lives. When you tell them about the moment you realized you needed God in your life and how He has since transformed you, they see that faith is real and relevant to their own lives. It also gives them hope that no matter what they're going through, God is always with them and will never leave them. As they hear about answered prayers in your life, they will learn to trust that God hears and answers their prayers, too! Sharing your testimony creates a stronger bond between you and your children as they see you not just as a parent but also as a real person with a genuine relationship with God.
"And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives to the death." - Revelation 12:11
3. Pray with your children regularly.
For many Christian parents, praying is an important part of their daily routine. It is a time to commune with God, express gratitude, and ask for guidance. Praying can also be a powerful teaching tool for children. When parents pray with their children regularly, it helps them to develop a deeper trust in God. They learn that they can rely on God for help and support, even when they don't understand what is happening in their lives.
Praying with your children teaches them the importance of being grateful for what they have. As they hear their parents thanking God for His blessings, they begin to see God's goodness and provision in their own lives. Praying also gives children a chance to share their concerns and worries with God. As they open up about their fears and hurts, they learn that God is always there to listen. By praying with their children regularly, parents can give them a strong foundation of faith that will last a lifetime.
Prayer is one of the most amazing things you get to do as a parent — you get to talk to the all-powerful, all-knowing God! When you pray with your children, they will see firsthand that God is real and He hears their prayers. Be sure to include them in prayers for big decisions or requests, so they can see how God works even in the details of our lives.
"Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." - 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
4. Point out God's handiwork in creation.
As the old saying goes, God is in the details. And when we take the time to look at the world around us, it's easy to see His handiwork. From the soaring mountains to the tiniest flower, everything we see in nature points us back to an awesome and loving God.
Introducing children to the concept of God as Creator is one of the best ways to help them understand His character. When they see the beauty and complexity of creation, they can't help but be impressed by the intelligence and care that went into making it. This helps them understand that God is real and that He loves us enough to pay attention to even the smallest details of our lives. It's an empowering message for kids and one that can draw them closer to God.
Take time on hikes or walks to point out how good and powerful our Creator must be to have made such beautiful things. Plan family camping trips and learn about the wonders of God's creation together as a family. Explain how everything we see around us points back to an awesome and loving God who made it all for us to enjoy. As they behold His wonderful creation, their hearts will be drawn closer to Him who made it all possible!
"For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse." - Romans 1:20
Here’s one of my favorite passages about nature and the countless lessons it teaches us about God:
“Many illustrations from nature are used by the Bible writers; and as we observe the things of the natural world, we shall be enabled, under the guiding of the Holy Spirit, more fully to understand the lessons of God’s Word.
In the natural world God has placed in the hands of the children of men the key to unlock the treasure house of His Word. The unseen is illustrated by the seen; divine wisdom, eternal truth, infinite grace, are understood by the things that God has made.
Children should be encouraged to search out in nature the objects that illustrate Bible teachings, and to trace in the Bible the similitudes drawn from nature. They should search out, both in nature and in Holy Writ, every object representing Christ, and those also that He employed in illustrating truth. Thus may they learn to see Him in tree and vine, in lily and rose, in sun and star. They may learn to hear His voice in the song of birds, in the sighing of the trees, in the rolling thunder, and in the music of the sea. And every object in nature will repeat to them His precious lessons.Many illustrations from nature are used by the Bible writers; and as we observe the things of the natural world, we shall be enabled, under the guiding of the Holy Spirit, more fully to understand the lessons of God’s Word.
In the natural world God has placed in the hands of the children of men the key to unlock the treasure house of His Word. The unseen is illustrated by the seen; divine wisdom, eternal truth, infinite grace, are understood by the things that God has made.
Children should be encouraged to search out in nature the objects that illustrate Bible teachings, and to trace in the Bible the similitudes drawn from nature. They should search out, both in nature and in Holy Writ, every object representing Christ, and those also that He employed in illustrating truth. Thus may they learn to see Him in tree and vine, in lily and rose, in sun and star. They may learn to hear His voice in the song of birds, in the sighing of the trees, in the rolling thunder, and in the music of the sea. And every object in nature will repeat to them His precious lessons.”
5. Point out how God is still active in the world today.
One of the things that children may find difficult to believe is that God is still active in the world today. However, there are many examples of His work that can be pointed out to them. One way to do this is by reading stories from missionary journals or watching documentaries about missionaries who are serving all over the world. When children see that God is still working in the world, they will be more likely to believe in His existence.
"Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever You had formed the earth and the world,
even from everlasting to everlasting, You are God." - Psalm 90:2
6. Point out connections between the Bible and current events.
Even though it was written long ago, the Bible is still incredibly relevant to our lives today. Discuss current events in light of Scripture. Share how the prophecies found in Scripture are being fulfilled in the world today. Share how various world events from around the world illustrate Biblical truths, and discuss them with your child. This will help them see that the Bible isn't just a book of ancient stories, but a living document that speaks to us today.
"To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven: a time to be born,
and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck what is planted; a time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; a time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing; a time to gain, and a time to lose; a time to keep,
and a time to throw away; a time to tear, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak; a time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace." - Ecclesiastes 3:1-8
7. Encourage them to ask questions and turn to the Bible for answers.
Encourage your child to ask questions about anything they don't understand. As you take turns reading the Bible during family worship, engage them in a discussion about the things they don't understand. This will help them to grow in their faith as they learn more about what the Bible has to say. Normalize talking about Scripture and seeking its answers to life's questions together as a family.
"All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work." - 1 Timothy 3:16
Conclusion
As you help your children know that God is real, remember to always point them to Jesus. He is the only one who can save us from our sins and give us eternal life. These tips are a great starting point but don’t forget to pray with your children regularly and read the Bible together, too. As they grow in their understanding of who He is and what He has done, they will be more likely to believe in Him and follow Him in their lives. May God bless you as you seek to raise up a generation of believers in Christ!
What are some of the ways you've helped your own children understand that God is real?
One way you can help your child understand more about God's nature is by journaling together about His creation. I've created FREE nature walk journal pages you can use use with your child. They're free to download. Just enter your details below and I'll send the journal prompts to your email inbox.
