by Kevin Shorter
August 24, 2009

I was going to wait before bringing up too much personal information, but today something special happened that fits with the context of praytel. My wife and I are in the process of adopting an international child. We have gotten pretty far along, and we need to make a decision about whether we would take our kids along when we pick up our new daughter. Besides the costs associated with taking two additional children along, our daughters are 4 years and 18 months, so they would take attention and care for the overseas travel.
My wife was discussing this with our older daughter this morning, and she decided to ask Jesus whether she should go. My wife, trying to get the kids ready to leave for the day, suggested that they wait to pray later. My daughter wanted to do it then. Never one to discourage prayer, my wife agreed. As my daughter prayed, she said that Jesus told her that she and her sister should stay back with my wife's mom. An additional insight you should know is that she wants to go with us.
The point of me telling you this story is not to allow your children to make decisions for you. My wife and I are still going to pray through this ourselves as we are ulitmately responsible for the decision. But imagine if we do decide on having the kids stay behind. Even though our oldest wants to go, we can always remind her of what Jesus showed her.
What are the takeaways from this story:
- Do not hinder the little children from coming to Jesus. - Luke 18:16
- The sheep know the shepherd's voice. - John 10: 3-5, 16
- Child-like faith is better receptive to come to God. - Mark 10:15