White Wing Messenger? - Church of God of Prophecy

Children Bring
Strength to the
Local Church
One of the greatest resources available to the
local church is the contribution made by a child
servant. Many of us focus on the responsibility
that we have to minister to children. While this
is certainly a necessary and biblical pursuit, we
must not forget another part of the equation.
God is calling children to minister and bring
strength to the local church. It is not necessary
to wait until our children reach maturity before
they are used by God. Children have so much to
offer, and it is time to capitalize on it. One needs
to look no further than the child Samuel to see
what God can do, not only for the young harvest
but through the young harvest.
The Dedication
of Children Causes
the Dedication
of Parents.
Samuel’s mother Hannah vowed, saying, “. . .
remember me, and not forget thine handmaid,
but wilt give unto thine handmaid a man child,
then I will give him unto the Lord all the days
of his life . . .” (1 Samuel 1:11). A year after
Hannah’s prayer, Samuel was born. Two years
later, Hannah dedicated her son to the Lord.
Samuel was not the only person who was
dedicated that day. The mother’s commitment
to God was so influenced by this child that she
gave him back to God for His service. Her life was
changed! Children have a way of influencing their
parents in this way. Focusing on the spiritual
needs of children not only blesses them, but it
blesses us.
Children hear
the voice of god.
Samuel heard God’s voice, but his
inexperience led him to the Priest Eli to answer
the call. This young child said yes, even before he
knew who he was answering. He was listening;
he was eager to be obedient and to serve. He
eventually discovered it was the call of the Lord,
not the call of the priest that he was hearing.
God is still calling children for His service, and
they are willing to say yes with no questions
asked. Children are energetic servants, capable
of hearing from the Lord. Now, consider what
would have happened if Eli had discouraged
Samuel’s experience. Eli could have very easily
discounted what Samuel was hearing by saying,
“You are just too young.” However, Eli said,
“Go, lie down: and it shall be, if he calls thee,
that thou shalt say, Speak, Lord, for thy servant
heareth . . .” (3:9). For every modern-day Samuel,
God has selected an Eli that will encourage the
child to be obedient by saying “yes.”
children Speak
the word of god.
When Samuel did as Eli instructed him,
the Lord told Samuel about the things He
22 WWM JUNE 2011 WWW.WHITEWINGMESSENGER.ORG