Kids can be empowered with boldness, bravery and fearlessness from young. When we train our children in
the way they should go, modelling what is taught before them, we will find that whatever is deposited inside of them, will not leave when they grow. It will always rise to the occasion when needed. When fear arises, our children know who is with them - The Lion of the Tribe of Judah.
Adapted from the children’s picture book ‘Fly Chico Fly’. This devotional states 7 biblical principles, supported by scriptures and prayers to help nurture a fearless mindset in children.
DAY ONE
COMPARISON: The robber and identity thief.
We are intricately made as individuals, with different personalities, uniqueness, and are created in both the image and likeness of God. Affirming our children’s identity in Christ builds their true worth. However, comparison is a sure way to crush them. Many adults feel the effects of comparison, and children are no different. It is best to ask the Holy Spirit to open the eyes of our understanding, and to grasp the personalities of our children. Consider what they like, what comes naturally to them, their behavioural patterns and more.
When we are blessed with more than one child, it is best to refrain from comparing them to one another, to others, and speaking negatively about them. Instead, we should pay attention to them, encourage them, and love them using their very own love language. After all, perfect love does cast out all fear, and in the absence of fear, children can express themselves boldly.
It is impossible to control everything people say or do, however, where it concerns our children, it is important to guide the language of those around them. We can practice firmly speaking the truth against lies, even when they come in the form of jokes.
Additionally, we may occasionally observe negative traits in our children. However, the exercise of love, patience and kindness, including correcting our children in love, will certainly help us work and walk with them to develop what is right, but not through comparison.
Question
Do you know your child’s love language?
Scriptures
Psalm 139:14
“I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that fully well”.
Matthew 25:15
“To one He gave five bags of gold, to another two bags, and to another one bag, each according to His ability. Then He went on His journey”.
Isaiah 45:9
“Woe to him who strives with Him who formed him, a pot among earthen pots! Does the clay say to him who forms it, “What are you making?” or “Your work has no handles?”
Philippians 4:8
“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honourable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things”.
Prayer
Father, show me the unique personalities of each of my children. You have chosen me to raise them in your truth. Help me to nurture what you have deposited in them. May I not destroy with the words of my mouth, my actions and my thoughts, but reaffirm your truth over them. My children are individually fearfully and wonderfully made. They are marvellously breath-taking and are your very own masterpieces, unique and created to worship you. They are for signs, great wonders and exploits for your glory. I call them blessed, fruitful, favoured and of high esteem. Everything Christ died for is theirs to enjoy. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
DAY TWO
YOU LEAD BY EXAMPLE: I remember what I repeatedly see more than what you constantly say. “BUT MAMA, YOU ARE THE MOST INCREDIBLE AT FLYING”
Have you ever thought you were being watched? Well, as a parent, you are! Children watch their parents, mirror their actions and repeat their words. Although, it is far easier to replicate what is repeatedly seen and constantly heard, than what you are told to do. Whether we realise it, we lead by example. Children smile because we are smiling, and then begin to replicate the language of their guardians. Think back to the game ‘Peekaboo’, a child would respond with the same action and also say the word ‘Peekaboo’. As their first and primary influencers, we parents must ensure our contribution to the gateways of our child’s soul is filled with Godliness.
We lead by example by revealing who we are. We should not cover up all our fears with discretion, as children look to see the human and relatable side of us. It is beautiful for our kids to watch us overcome our fears and learn first-hand that our confidence is a ‘Who’, the one in whom we trust and not a ‘what’ or ‘thing’. This is how they learn that God is dependable and always faithful.
Children learn that the spirit of power, love and a sound mind lives and operates in us, and also in them.
Question
Which one area can you clearly see your child imitating you?
Scripture
Matthew 19:14
Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these."
1 Corinthians 11:1-2
“Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ. Now I commend you because you remember me in everything and maintain the traditions even as I delivered them to you”.
Proverbs 3:5-6
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths”.
Prayer
Thank you Lord, for the gift of life. Thank you for the ability, desire and capacity to learn and grow. I pray that you grant me the strength to be consistent in your word, and to be purposeful about being more like you. I pray that I will always point my children back to you. May I show them you; my confidence, my personal God and my saviour. May I always thirst for you, be consistent in studying your word, and meditate on it day and night. May my delight and desire be in the law of the Lord. May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart, be pleasing before you. May my life and actions always lead my children to you so that they know you for themselves, and love doing life with you. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
DAY THREE
DON’T LET ME STOP YOU: Fear. “SHE WAS SCARED”.
Fear is an emotional response to the threat of danger, pain or harm.
It is important for children to understand that it is okay to feel afraid, but that we do not live in fear, nor do we invite doubt, harbour it in our minds or let it control our actions. In order for the source and root of fear to be dealt with, Children should be taught how to pinpoint exactly what they are afraid of. It could be the fear of failing, the fear of not being liked or the fear of being hurt. It is important to practice listening to our children when they share their fears, rather than tucking them away or simply being dismissive as these are genuine emotions.
When we allow our children to share their hearts, this builds trust. However, when we handle the information shared with understanding, this solidifies trust. An opportunity is then provided to reaffirm them with the guidance of the Holy Spirit, permitting us to remind them of their identity in Christ, whilst resounding His truth over their lives.
We have all been afraid at one point or the other. Even Christ at the very thought of the cross said to the Father “Let this cup pass me, but nevertheless, let your will be done!”. That mindset of “But nevertheless, let your will be done” in spite of fear, is one to instil in our children. We must be careful not to pass any fears we are dealing with, to our children. Remember, the Holy Spirit is available for help.
Question
Are you aware of any fears your child is currently dealing with? If so, have you made room for them to communicate this with you? How can you support?
Is there any fear you are dealing with, and unintentionally passing on to your children?
Scripture
Matthew 10:31
"Fear not, therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows".
2 Timothy 1:7
“… for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and a sound mind”.
Hebrews 13:6
"So we can confidently say, “The Lord is my helper; I will not fear; what can man do to me?”
Prayer
Father, may my children grow in wisdom and maturity in Christ. May they be wise beyond their years and generation. May they bear good fruit. I declare that wisdom and knowledge will be the stability of their times. The strength of salvation and the fear of the Lord is their treasure. I pray that my children understand that their steps are ordered by the Lord, and that they will hear and know your voice. The voice of a stranger they do not follow. May they talk with you, lay everything before you, await your guidance and obey your full instructions in a timely manner. May they pause, run, leap and soar with you because you instruct and teach them in the way they should go. May you counsel them with your loving eye. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
DAY FOUR
PROTECTION: A loving covering. “HER MAMA DIDN’T LET HER FALL”.
Allowing children to explore and grow in safety is paramount for their development. Parents should not endanger their children but appropriately give space for exploration. The Lord guides us with his loving eye. We too must release our children at the appropriate time. Having done all to ensure their safety and security, we must then trust their ability.
Let’s teach our children to be responsible, to judge properly, and to make wise decisions. It is tempting to walk with, hold on to our children and occasionally suffocate them. However, it is important that they are allowed to grow in independence. Let’s remember that God is omnipresent, and He who entrusted them to us, in our absence, remains present.
The relationship between parents and children is constantly developing and changing. This is the cycle of life and the result of growth. Our children should therefore not remain dependent on us. There comes a time where the muscles exercised will be put to good use. They must lift weight and be stretched, because life makes those demands. In the same way, children learn to wear their clothes, make new friends, solve problems and make their own decisions.
We cannot insist on making every decision forever. When it is time to fly, they must fly.
Question
Are there areas in your child’s life where you need to trust them and let go?
Scripture
Psalm 112:7
“They will have no fear of bad news; their hearts are steadfast, trusting in the Lord”.
Acts 16:31
“Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved - you and your household”.
Proverbs 3:5-6
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight”.
Prayer
Thank you Lord that my children have divine wisdom, divine intelligence and divine insight. My children grow in wisdom and stature, they are taught of the Lord, and great is their peace. Show me lord how to walk with my children, not provoke them to anger. Teach me to present myself as a place of safety where they can confide their struggles, uncertainties, joys, triumphs and mistakes. Help me to release them in a timely manner and to respect and champion their growth. I place them in your loving, safe and capable hands. As our relationship develops with maturity, may my children and I enjoy every moment and every transition. May I remain confident and secure in you, and likewise them. As they are passing through me, may I not be tempted to hold on to them but to love like you. May I always remember that my children are a gift from the Lord, a reward from you. I will train my children in the way that they should go, and I will trust that when they grow they will not depart from it. My great joy is for my children to walk in your truth. They belong to you and I belong to you. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
DAY FIVE
BOLDNESS: The confidence builder. “YOU ARE BRAVE, BOLD AND FEARLESS”.
Have you ever watched the effects of praise on animals? “Good doggy!”, and the tail wags.
Take a moment to think about yourself, a human. What do you recall about the effects of praise on you? Its effect on humans is boundless; we walk differently, talk differently and we believe we are capable. There are no limits, and we see no limitations. This is true from a young age. Just like the blank face of a mother in the still face experiment, causes a baby to become distressed and connect with negative emotions, affirmations can do a whole load of positives to a child. Affirming the truth their spirit already knows, and speaking that over them, creates a connection and knowing that explodes into every area of their lives.
Let’s speak life over our children and entrust them into God’s hands. After all, they are a gift from the Lord and He has known them before He formed them, with plans to prosper and not harm them.
In everything, give thanks! Remind them of times they were afraid of doing something, but did, or used simple steps until they achieved. Use times when you also were afraid, and you were able to overcome that. Tell them about the process, the journey to overcoming an obstacle, and becoming a better version of yourself with the power and grace of the Holy Spirit.
This is our superpower, and our invaluable strength. The Lord is our Strength.
Question
Are there any age-appropriate stories you are yet to share with your children that would help them overcome fears or simply navigate life?
Scripture
Psalm 27:1
“The Lord is my light and my salvation - so why should I be afraid? The Lord is my fortress, protecting me from danger, so why should I tremble?”
Judges 6:12
“When the angel of the Lord appeared to Gideon, he said, “The Lord is with you, mighty warrior.”
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
Prayer
Thank you Lord that my children put on the full armour of God. They understand and they know that they have the mind of Christ. I thank you for giving them the spirit of power, love and a sound mind. I speak blessings over them; they are vessels of honour, the head and not the tail, above and never beneath. Your face shines upon them, you give them peace, they commit their ways before you, and you establish their plans. You are their good shepherd, and they lack nothing. Their trust is in you. Their confidence is in you. They are like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. They do not fear when heat comes, and their leaves are always green. They have no worry of drought and they never fail to bear good fruit. My children can do all things through Christ who infuses His strength in them. I thank you that the same power that raised Christ from the dead operates fully and without restriction in my children. My children are yours Lord, and you love them with an everlasting love. They are indeed bold, brave, courageous and fearless, for you are their God, the horn of their salvation. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
DAY SIX
LET GO: “OKAY MAMA, HERE I GO”
Let go! He who neither sleeps nor slumbers is watching over our children. We cannot possibly chaperone their every move at every second of the day, as we simply do not have the physical or emotional capacity.
Unduly hovering over children only agitates them. Once it is safe, we must give them space. Space to practice, space to explore, space to grow, space to take steps, space to jump, fly and soar. Even if they fail, it is merely a learning curve. They will try again and get it in their own time. It sure is a beautiful thing to watch our kids make wise decisions without our input.
When we make and follow through on wise decisions that honour him, I imagine the lord saying “Yes! That’s my daughter or that’s my son”. Our job is to equip our children, not handicap them. To remind them that we are there for them no matter the outcome. They need to know they are not alone.
It is important for parents to champion children to take steps for themselves; to fly when it is time, and to celebrate those steps, however little.
Question
Is there an area of your child’s life you are struggling to give entirely to God? Ask Him to highlight these to you and to help you allow him to be God.
Scripture
John 14:27
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid”.
Psalm 121:8
“The lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore”.
Psalm 32:7
“You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance”.
Exodus 3:15
God also said to Moses, “Say to the Israelites, ‘The Lord, the God of your fathers—the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob—has sent me to you.’ “This is my name forever, the name you shall call me from generation to generation".
Prayer
Lord, you have created bold, fearless and powerful children, and blessed me with the opportunity to nurture them. Just as Joshua, Caleb, Daniel and Joseph, may they be bold for you. May they use wisdom to judge wisely and follow your guidance Lord. May I not be an anxious parent. May I trust in the Lord with all my heart, lean not on my own understanding and acknowledge God in all my ways. Your peace guards my heart Lord. I will let go and I will let you have your way in my life and that of my children. I decree that as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord. Thank you that my children flourish like the palm tree and that the lines have fallen for them in pleasant places. You go before them, you are beside them, within them and for them. No harm shall come to them. Help me not to play God, but to allow you, the sovereign God, your rightful place. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
DAY SEVEN
CELEBRATE: “FLY CHICO FLY, HE HEARD HIS BROTHERS SING”
Let’s celebrate our children and encourage our children to celebrate and encourage each other. Every step should be met by encouragement and applause, no matter how small. Interestingly, we do this when a child takes their first steps. Even if they took a single step and fell, we tend to scoop them in our arms, whilst applauding loudly with cheers from the other side.
The same should go for everything else. God celebrates when we think like Him, act like Him and mature in Him. This could be in something we think is minute, but to God, our progress makes Him proud. Likewise, let every attempt at progress be met with support and applause, in ways that are relevant to your child, their age and their personality.
Let praise be intentional and known.
Question
Are there expressions of praise you need to show your children? In which areas do they need to know you are proud of them? Make time to have these conversations and lavish your children with love and admiration.
Scripture
1 Corinthians 1:4
“I always thank my God for you because of his grace given you in Christ Jesus”.
1 Corinthians 15:57
“But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ”.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus”.
Prayer
I celebrate my children, others and myself Lord. May I not miss the opportunities to congratulate and acknowledge them, with a simple “well done, I am proud of you”. You delight over us with gladness, and each day you pour your unfailing love over us. You rejoice over us with singing and songs of deliverance. May I replicate your ways and celebrate my children wholeheartedly. My children will be greatly celebrated, will know how to receive celebration, and will celebrate each other and others. I decree that celebration will never be foreign to them. May they be secure in your love and know that they are loved by their parents, siblings and others. May praise for you never cease from their hearts and lips. May they burst forth with songs of adoration and worship to you. May they give all the glory to you for everything, including every step of progress, learning, growth, success and accomplishment. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
We hope you enjoyed the 7 day devotional, 'Raising Bold, Brave, Fearless kids', by Ebele Bright.