Daily Parent Devotional: Faith Like a Child (March 9)

Have you ever watched a child look at the stars?

There’s no cynicism there. There’s no "well, technically, those are distant suns undergoing nuclear fusion." There is just pure, unadulterated wonder. A child looks at the night sky and sees a masterpiece. They see a mystery. Most importantly, they see something bigger than themselves, and they are perfectly okay with that.

As parents, we often feel like we have to have all the answers. We feel the weight of the world on our shoulders. We worry about the future, the bills, the safety of our neighborhood, and whether we’re doing enough to set our kids up for success. We trade wonder for worry.

But today, on March 9, God is inviting you to take a breath. He’s inviting you to look up. He’s inviting you to trade your "grown-up" anxiety for the faith of a child.

What Jesus Meant by "Childlike"

In Matthew 18:3, Jesus said something that must have sounded wild to the people listening: "Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven."

In that culture, children didn’t have status. They didn't have power. They were completely dependent on their parents for everything, food, shelter, protection, and direction. When Jesus tells us to have faith like a child, He isn't telling us to be immature or "childish." He’s telling us to be dependent.

To have faith like a child means acknowledging that we don’t have it all figured out, and that’s okay because our Father does. It’s moving from a place of "I’ve got this" to "Father, I know You’ve got this."

For the parent working the night shift, coming home as the sun rises, or the caregiver who feels exhausted by the constant demands of the day, this is good news. You don’t have to be the source of all strength. You just have to be the child of the One who is.

The Struggle of Control

The hardest part of parenting is often the desire for control. We want to control the outcome. We want to ensure our kids never get hurt, never make a mistake, and always follow the right path.

But control is often an illusion that leads to stress.

Childlike faith is the antidote to the "control trap." Think about a toddler at a park. They run, they jump, and they explore because they know their parent is nearby. They aren't checking their watch or worrying about the perimeter fence. They trust that if they fall, someone is there to pick them up.

As parents, we are called to protect and guide our children. We take things like digital safety seriously because we love them. But ultimately, we have to trust God with their hearts and their futures.

One of the 16 Fundamental Truths we hold dear at Boundless Online Church is the "Blessed Hope." It’s the confidence that Jesus is coming back and that He is making all things new. When we view our parenting through the lens of that hope, the daily pressures start to feel a little lighter. We realize we are raising citizens of an eternal kingdom, not just kids who can pass a math test.

Finding Wonder in the Mundane

How do we practically reclaim this childlike faith? It starts by looking for God in the small things.

Children are experts at finding "treasures." A shiny rock, a colorful leaf, or a bug on the sidewalk can occupy their attention for twenty minutes. They see the beauty in the mundane.

As parents, we are often moving so fast that we miss the "God-moments" in our day. We’re so focused on the destination that we ignore the journey.

Today, try this:

1. Slow down for five minutes. Watch your child play. Don’t check your phone. Don’t think about the laundry. Just watch.

2. Listen to their questions. Children ask "why" about everything. Instead of getting frustrated, let their curiosity spark your own. Why did God make the stars so far away? Why do birds sing?

3. Pray with simple words. You don’t need big, theological phrases to talk to God. Tell Him what you’re thankful for. Tell Him what you’re scared of. Just like a child talking to their dad.

If you are feeling disconnected or need a place to recharge, you can always join us for Sunday Live Worship. It’s a space where we set aside the noise and focus back on the Father.

Trusting the Father’s Provision

Another aspect of childlike faith is trust in provision. A child doesn't wake up wondering if there will be breakfast in the pantry. They assume there will be because "Mom and Dad take care of that."

Do we have that same confidence in our Heavenly Father?

In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus tells us not to worry about what we will eat or wear. He points to the birds and the flowers and says, "Are you not much more valuable than they?" (Matthew 6:26).

For many in our global community, especially those in persecuted areas or those facing financial hardship, this kind of trust is a daily battle. But it is also where the power of the Holy Spirit shines brightest. We believe in the "Baptism in the Holy Spirit," which gives us the power to witness and the strength to endure. That Spirit reminds us daily that we are children of the King.

You are not alone in this journey. If you're looking for a community to walk with, check out our groups where parents just like you share their struggles and their victories.

Protecting the Wonder

In a world full of screens and noise, it’s easy for a child’s wonder to be dimmed early. As parents, we are the gatekeepers of their hearts. Part of our "Great Commission" inside our own homes is protecting their innocence while preparing them for the world.

This doesn't mean we hide from technology. At Boundless, we believe in using every tool available, even AI, to spread the message of Jesus. You can read more about that in our Ultimate Guide to AI and Faith. But it does mean we guide them through it. We teach them that while the world is big, God is bigger.

A Prayer for Parents

Let's take a moment to pray together. Whether you are at your kitchen table, in a breakroom, or sitting in your car, let these words be your heart's cry today.

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for the gift of my children. Thank You for the way they reflect Your joy and Your wonder. Today, I confess that I’ve been carrying too much. I’ve been trying to be the "strong one" when I really just need to be Your child.

Give me the grace to trust You with my family’s future. Help me to slow down and see the beauty You’ve placed in each day. When I feel overwhelmed, remind me that I am loved, I am seen, and I am held by You.

Teach me to have faith like a child again. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Next Steps

If today’s devotional resonated with you, we invite you to lean in a little further:

• Reflect: What is one area of your life where you are trying too hard to be the "adult" instead of trusting God as your Father?

• Act: Spend 10 minutes tonight looking at the stars (or just out the window) with your kids. Talk about how big God is.

• Connect: If you have a specific prayer request for your family, please visit our Prayer Wall. Our community would love to stand with you.

• Learn: If you are new to faith or want to dive deeper into the basics of what we believe, read The Word That Never Changes.

Parenting is a marathon, not a sprint. You weren't meant to run it alone. Keep looking up, keep trusting, and keep that childlike wonder alive.

Boundless Online Church is a ministry of FA Memphis. We help people meet Jesus and grow in faith online.

Need prayer? Text 1-901-213-7341 (message & data rates may apply). Not for emergencies.