I heard the most awesome story recently. You can read it in detail here from my friends Peter Haas and Carolyn Haas.
At age 10, their daughter prayed, “God would you reveal yourself to me and speak to me about our church’s facilities?”
God gave her a specific vision of a building that Substance Church, Minnesota was going to acquire in the future.
She drew a picture and shared the details God had told her about the building and the challenges and successes they would have to go through to get it.
Peter posted this photo comparing the drawing his daughter drew from her God-given vision 3 years ago and the building they moved into a few weeks ago.
I couldn’t keep the smile off my face—my heart was full as I finished reading this amazing story.
It reminded me…
…of my dad, whose call to preaching ministry came at age 7.
…of a young man named Samuel saying, “Speak Lord, for your servant is listening.”[1]
…of a group of adolescents, who, along with their ringleader Daniel, influenced a king and changed a culture.[2]
…of a young man with big dreams, a colorful coat, and a pivotal future post in government named Joseph.[3]
…of a young girl named Mary, visited by an angel and given a divine message and calling.[4]
…and of the promise in Acts 2:17:
“‘In the last days,’ God says, ‘I will pour out my Spirit upon all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy.’”
It’s clear that God regularly speaks to and through young people. Pastors, parents and leaders, we must be intentional about affirming the young among us. They are not only our hope and future, they are the Church of today, the prophets, visionaries, healers, hands and feet of Christ in the here and now.
“‘Yes,’ Jesus replied. ‘Haven’t you ever read the Scriptures? For they say, You have taught children and infants to give you praise.’” Matthew 21:16
Watch the Sermon Peter Haas preached on this story called “The Downtown Miracle”
Substance Summer 2016 – July 24 from Substance Church on Vimeo.
You’ll also enjoy:
- Reading to kids increases their intelligence
- Why Children?
- 6 Bible verses to build a child’s confidence