Raising Faithful Kids: How to Teach Waiting, Trust, and Seeking God

Helping Parents Build Faith That Lasts

Waiting is one of life’s greatest challenges—not only for children but for adults as well. As parents, we’ve all heard the questions:

“When will summer get here?”

“When can I get that toy?”

“Why hasn’t God answered my prayer?”

If we’re honest, we ask similar questions ourselves. We may simply use different words.

“God, when will You provide?”

“When will You heal?”

“When will You open that door?”

Waiting exposes something about every human heart: we are not in control. That realization can either frustrate us or draw us closer to the Lord.

For families who desire to disciple their children, seasons of waiting become some of the greatest opportunities to teach lasting faith.

Waiting Reveals What We Trust

One of the greatest lessons we can teach our children is that following Jesus isn’t about getting immediate answers, it’s about learning to trust a faithful God.

Throughout Scripture, God rarely gives people the entire plan. Instead, He invites them into a relationship of daily dependence. Rather than revealing tomorrow, He calls us to seek Him today.

Perhaps that’s why waiting feels so difficult. Waiting reminds us that we cannot control our future, but God already holds it.

David’s Secret During Difficult Seasons

Psalm 27 is one of the clearest pictures of what it looks like to seek God while waiting. David was surrounded by enemies, uncertainty, and fear. Yet instead of demanding immediate rescue, his greatest desire was God’s presence.

“I have asked one thing from the Lord; it is what I desire: to dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life… seeking Him in His temple.” (Psalm 27:4)

Later, God speaks to David’s heart:

“Seek My face.”

David immediately responds:

“Lord, I will seek Your face.” (Psalm 27:8)

Notice the connection.

God doesn’t first promise an immediate solution.

He extends an invitation.

Seek Me.

Then David concludes the psalm with these familiar words:

“Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart be courageous. Wait for the Lord.” (Psalm 27:14)

Seeking and waiting always go together.

Teaching Children to Seek Before They Ask

Many of our prayers naturally begin with requests:

“God, help me.”

“God, fix this.”

“God, give me…”

Those prayers are good. But discipleship teaches children something even greater:

God Himself is the greatest gift.

Parents we can help our children learn that before we seek God’s hand, we seek His face. That simple shift changes everything.

Instead of teaching children that prayer is simply asking God for things, we teach them that prayer is spending time with Someone who loves them.

God Wants to Be Found

Have you ever played hide-and-seek with a preschooler? Young children aren’t very good at hiding. While you’re counting, they’re giggling behind the couch. Sometimes they even yell,

“I’m over here!”

They’re not trying to avoid being found. They’re hoping you’ll find them. In many ways, God invites us in a similar way. Throughout Scripture He continually says,

“Seek Me.”

Sin clouds our vision, distractions steal our attention, and busyness drowns out His voice.

Our phones buzz.

Schedules fill.

Screens capture our attention.

Meanwhile, the Holy Spirit gently whispers,

“Seek My face.”

The invitation has never changed. The question is whether we’ll slow down long enough to hear it.

Discipleship Happens in the Waiting

In my experience, many parents often wonder what they should teach their children during difficult seasons. Sometimes the greatest lesson isn’t found in the answer. It’s found in the waiting.

Children are watching how we respond when prayers seem unanswered. They notice whether we panic or pray. Whether we complain or trust. Whether we seek God only when life is easy or especially when life is hard. Our waiting becomes their classroom.

When they see Mom and Dad opening Scripture, praying together, trusting God’s character, and continuing to worship, they learn that faith is more than words. They learn that God is trustworthy.

Seek First

Jesus said,

“But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be provided for you.” (Matthew 6:33)

Notice He didn’t say to seek answers first.

He said to seek the King. God has never promised an easy life. He has promised His presence. Sometimes He answers immediately. Sometimes He asks us to wait. But every season of waiting becomes an invitation to know Him more deeply.

As parents, our greatest goal isn’t raising children who simply know Bible stories. It’s raising disciples who know the God of the Bible.

Teach them to seek Him.

Teach them to trust Him.

Teach them that His timing is always perfect.

Because children who learn to seek God’s face today will be prepared to trust His heart tomorrow.

Reflection Questions

• What are your children learning from the way you wait on God?
• How can your family intentionally seek God’s presence together this week?
• Is your home known more for worry or for worship?

Read Psalm 27 together as a family. If you have really young children, focus on verses 8-9.

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