When You Spot a Spark: How to Nurture Your Child’s God-Given Gift

Stewarding Your Child’s God-Given Gifts

I remember when my husband and I found out we were pregnant with our first baby—just two months into our marriage. I was overjoyed, and immediately after, a little anxiety crept in. Like… that was fast! We started prepping for our new bundle of joy, buying all the fun gadgets a newborn will definitely NEVER use. Lol.

As my due date got closer, I started writing a prayer journal. I wrote everything I desired for my son—from him arriving healthy and safe, to growing up to be a world changer. I dreamed, prayed, and spoke life over him. (And yes, I repeated this pattern for all four of my babies.)

As he grew into his personality—joyful, always smiling, kind, sweet—literally the things I wrote down while he was in my womb—we noticed something more. There was a depth to him that went beyond just being a sweet kid.

When I First Noticed His Gift

I first recognized his gifting when he turned six years old (he’s now eight). He began saying things that, honestly, I would brush off or just “agree with” so he could leave me alone. Hahaha.

At the time, I was pregnant with our fourth baby. My son kept saying—almost weekly—“My sister is going to come on my birthday.” His birthday is April 8. I’d tell him, “Buddy, babies come when they want to. Maybe she will, maybe she won’t.” It went in one ear and out the other for him. He kept saying it confidently.

Then one day at my midwife appointment, she told me my due date was April 8. Pause. My son had been saying that for weeks. We laughed it off and kept going. I always have my babies early, so I just knew she’d come a day or even a week before. Because you know… I’m God and I know everything.

Lo and behold—baby girl showed up on her due date, just as my son said. And mind you, only about 4%–5% of babies are born on their exact due date.

Needless to say, my son was ecstatic that his sister arrived on his birthday—just like he said.

Another moment was when my grandpa returned to Kenya. It had been over eight months since my son had seen or even mentioned him. But suddenly, one particular week, my son kept asking about him—“Where is he? How is he?”—over and over. I didn’t think much of it.

The following week, we received the heartbreaking news that my grandpa passed away.

That’s when the lightbulb went on. I was like, Lord… did you give me a prophet? What am I supposed to do with that?! LOL.

Partner Parenting With God

But the beautiful thing about God is that He already knows what to do with the gifts He places inside our children. I came boldly before Him and said, “Dad, I have no clue how to handle this gift or even steward him. I can barely steward mine!” And like the sweet Father He is, He simply said, “Together.”

It’s not up to you alone to train up a child in the way they should go (Proverbs 22:6). It’s about partner parenting with God. He knows your child inside and out. You don’t have to be nervous or afraid to raise a child who walks in the prophetic or any other gifting, because the One who gave the gift is the One who guides you.

How I Steward My Children’s Gifts

To steward your child’s gift, you must partner with God. I pray for my kids daily. I lay hands on them. I anoint their heads with oil. I ask the Lord to guide me as I raise His kids.

My youngest daughter began operating in her gift at two years old. She loves to worship. It was even prophesied that she would be a worship leader. She can hear a worship song once, and the next time it plays, she’s singing it. I know she’s meant to be a worship minister.

So with two children already walking in their giftings at such young ages, I have to be vigilant. I have to pray, fast, and seek wisdom from God to steward their gifts while they’re still learning who they are in Christ.

Be Ready for Warfare

Nurturing their gifting also comes with warfare. Be ready to fight for your kids spiritually. The enemy wants to steal, kill, and destroy your child’s calling, anointing, and destiny. You must stand in the gap. Bring them to the Lord, because Jesus came to give life in abundance—life until it overflows (John 10:10).

Encourage your children to cultivate their relationship with God. Teach them to pray, to hear God’s voice, to worship, and to read and understand the Word of God. These foundations will help strengthen not only their faith but also their gifting.

A Final Encouragement

I encourage you today to ask the Lord how you should personally nurture your child’s God-given spiritual gifts. And may the grace and peace of the Lord be with you as you walk this beautiful journey with them.

Shalom, Lonny Adhi