9 Smart Strategies to Develop Childlike Faith | Inspiring

This post is all about childlike faith

Faith is a powerful thing. When we have faith, God can do amazing things in and through us. But what exactly is childlike faith? And how can we obtain it?

This comprehensive blog post will answer all those questions. I will also go over biblical definitions, how to cultivate childlike faith in your own life and many more topics!

Ready? Let’s go!

Why I’m writing this post

I’m in a season where I have to remind myself what childlike faith is. I hear God telling me to have faith, but I sometimes look at the task ahead and honestly feel that the task is too big.

So through lots of research, earnest prayers, and reflection… this blog post was birthed.

Quick Note: I had an epiphany once I discovered the Hebrew meaning of faith. So that’s a great place to lay the foundation of the post.

Here goes…

What is childlike faith?

The dictionary defines childlike as “having the qualities of a child, such as innocence or simplicity.” And faith is defined as a “strong belief or trust in someone or something.” So when we put these two definitions together, we can see that childlike faith has a strong belief or trust in God like a child does.

Often, we assume that childlike faith (or faith in general) is what we believe, but it is also walking in obedience and doing so in action. So it’s not enough to name it and claim it in faith; we need to obey God and act! Remember, faith without works is dead! (James 2:17).

Now here is the exciting part… In Hebrew, “faith” is”emunah,” which comes from the root word “amen/aman.”

When I found that out, my jaw dropped! Those are two profound words right there (faith and amen), and the fact that they have a connection is pure awesomeness!!!!!

Here is a video that explains more about the depth of this revelation:

Importance of spending time with children

One of the best ways to understand childlike faith is to spend time with children. Why? Because children have not yet been corrupted by the world and its ways. They have not been jaded by life’s disappointments or let down by people they thought they could trust. Children live in the moment and take people at their word. They also tend to see the best in people and are quick to forgive.

As a mom, I can tell you that children are indeed in the moment; they are present. They are filled with awe and wonder when they experience something new.

Characteristics of childlike faith

Children are beautiful!

While childlike faith may not look the same in every situation, there are some common characteristics. Childlike faith is often:

1. Bold: Children are typically very bold. This is because they don’t know much about the world yet and want to learn as much as possible. They are eager to learn, and they ask a lot of questions. 
2. Full of faith: They also tend to have a lot of faith. This is because they haven’t seen the bad side of people yet, and they still believe that everyone is good.
3. Trusting: Children are also usually very trusting. They believe what people tell them, and they don’t question it. This is because they haven’t been disappointed or hurt by people yet.
4. Simple: It’s not complicated or convoluted. People with this faith don’t try to figure out everything on their own. They simply trust in God and His promises.
5. Teachable: This faith is humble and teachable. People with childlike faith know that they can’t do anything on their own. They rely on God for everything.
6. Fearless: People with childlike faith aren’t afraid of what the future holds because they know that God is in control.
7. Obedience: People with childlike faith obey God even when it’s hard or don’t understand why He’s asking them to do something.
8. Joyful:   People with childlike faith are joyful and full of optimism because they know that God is good and that His plans for them are always good. 

Bottom line: In order to have childlike faith, we must be willing to trust God with our lives. We must also be obedient to His Word and His commands. We must also be dependent on Him, and not try to do things on our own.

Importance of childlike faith

The world today often looks down on childlike faith. They see it as something that is foolish and not worth having. The world today is filled with skeptics. People need proof of everything before they’re willing to believe it. And while that kind of skepticism can be a good thing in some cases, it’s not so great when it comes to faith.

The Bible tells us a different story about the importance of childlike faith. In Matthew 19:14, Jesus says, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” This verse shows us that Jesus values childlike faith. He loves it when we come to Him with childlike faith because it shows that we trust Him.

So why is childlike faith important?

1. It allows us to see things that others cannot see. It’s like looking through the lens of a child’s imagination- everything appears new and possible.
2. It gives us hope when all seems lost and helps us find joy in everyday moments.
3. It reminds us that we are never too old to dream.
4. It allows us to see things from God’s perspective. It helps us trust in God’s plan even when we don’t understand it. And it gives us the courage to step out in faith, even when we’re afraid.
5. It is often accompanied by other godly character traits, such as humility, obedience, and trustworthiness.
6. It allows us to see God working in our lives even when things are tough. It helps us to remain focused on God and not on our circumstances. And it allows us to have hope even when things seem hopeless.
7. Without faith, we would not be able to please God. (Hebrews 11:6).

Examples of childlike faith in the Bible

Many bible stories demonstrate the power of childlike faith.

One of my favorites is the story of Abraham and Isaac in Genesis 22. In this story, God tests Abraham’s faith by asking him to sacrifice his only son, Isaac. Abraham obediently sets out to do what God has asked, even though it goes against everything he knows. This shows us that childlike faith is being willing to do what God asks, even when it doesn’t make sense to us.

Other story examples are as follows:

• Noah and the Ark
• Abraham and Isaac
• Moses and the Exodus
• David and Goliath
• Daniel in the Lion’s Den
• Jesus healing the blind man

Each of these stories is a beautiful display of childlike faith, and each one teaches us an important lesson about who God is and what He can do. These men had faith that God would fulfill His promises in each story, even when things looked impossible. They put their trust in God, and He came through for them.

Authenticity in purpose

When we think of people with childlike faith, sometimes we can get the wrong idea. We might think that people with childlike faith are just naïve or gullible. They see it as a crutch for those who are weak and cannot handle the harsh realities of life. However, this faith is necessary for you to be authentic in your purpose journey!

Let’s review a few things about childlike faith in regards to authenticity in purpose:

• It is actually very important if you want to fulfill your God-given purpose and destiny. In fact, people with childlike faith are some of the most authentic people you’ll ever meet.
• It is authentic because it’s not based on our own understanding or wisdom. It is based on God’s Word and promises. And when we base our lives on God’s Word, we can’t help but be authentic in our lives and our purpose too.
• It is such an essential part of our walk with God. It’s what allows us to truly live authentic lives. So if you’re looking for more authenticity in your life, start by developing a childlike faith. It will change everything.

Childlike faith verses

Verse 1 “ And he said: “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. – Matthew 18:3-4

This verse is saying that in order to enter the kingdom of heaven, we must become like little children. To be like a child means to have humility and trust. Children are trusting because they don’t know everything. They rely on their parents or guardians for guidance and protection. In the same way, we must rely on God for guidance and protection. We must have childlike faith.

Verse 2 “ People were bringing little children to Jesus for him to place his hands on them, but the disciples rebuked them. When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.”.- Mark 10:13-15

This verse is saying that we should bring children to Jesus. We should not keep them away from him. The kingdom of God belongs to those who have childlike faith.

Verse 3 “At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Who, then, is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” He called a little child to him, and placed the child among them. And he said: “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. – Matthew 18:1-3

This verse is saying that we must become like children to enter the kingdom of heaven. We must have childlike faith.

Verse 4 “And he took the children in his arms, placed his hands on them and blessed them.” –Mark 10:16

This verse is saying that Jesus blessed the children. This shows how much he loves them and how important they are to him. He wants us to have childlike faith because it is pure and innocent.

Verse 5 “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

This verse is saying that we should not keep children away from Jesus. The kingdom of heaven belongs to those who have childlike faith. Jesus wants us to have childlike faith because it is pure and innocent.

Verse 6 “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” Hebrews 11:1,

This verse tells us that childlike faith is being sure of what we hope for and believing in what we cannot see.

Faith as small as a mustard seed

In the Bible, Jesus talks about faith being as small as a mustard seed. He says that if we have faith the size of a mustard seed, we can move mountains. I believe that this can be used in reference to childlike faith.

Childlike faith is trust and belief in God that is simple and pure, like that of a child. Children have an innocence and trust that adults often lose as they grow older. They believe what they are told and take everything at face value.

This is the kind of faith Jesus is talking about when he says to have faith like a child. It’s not a blind faith, but it is a simple, trusting faith. It’s not easily shaken or derailed. It’s a faith that believes God is who He says He is and that He can do what He says He can do.

9 Smart Strategies to Develop Childlike Faith

If you want to cultivate childlike faith in your own life, here are five tips to get you started:

Here are five tips on how to have childlike faith:

1. Pray

Pray and talk to God throughout the day. This will help you to develop a personal relationship with Him. Also. If you’re struggling to have childlike faith, that’s okay. Just ask God to help you. Pray that He would give you the faith of a child, and then trust Him to work in your life. He will never let you down.

2. Read and meditate on the word

Reading the Bible daily and meditating on what it means to have this faith. When read your Bible regularly. This will help you to grow in your faith and trust in God. Spend time in God’s Word. This will help you to grow in your knowledge and understanding of who God is.

3. Obey God

Obey God, even when it’s difficult. This shows Him that you trust Him and are willing to do what He says.

4. Find a mentor

Find a Christian mentor or role model to help teach and guide you in your faith journey.

5. Spend time with brethren

Spend time with other believers. They can encourage you and help you to grow in your faith. Being involved in a small group or Sunday school class where you can learn more about God and grow in your relationship with Him.

6. Observe

Observe childlike faith in action.

7. Serve

Serve others. When you serve others, you are showing your faith in action.

8. Witness

Witness to others about Jesus Christ. This is a great way to share your faith with others as well as a great testimony of God’s work in your life.

9. Praise and Give Thanks

Praise and thank God for His blessings. This will help you to focus on the good things that He has done in your life.

And that’s it, folks- childlike faith!

As stated earlier, as adults, we can complicate and intellectualize faith. So the fact that our Lord Jesus used the analogy of children to describe faith is fantastic. When we have childlike faith, we will see God do great things in our lives!

This research and blog post has taken me back to the basics.❤️

I hope this post has inspired you too.

Hugs,

P.S. If you liked this post, please share it with your family and friends! ❤️