“From the Heart” teaching by Drs. Rodney & Adonica Howard-Browne.
Then God said, “Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.” 27 So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them. 28 Then God blessed them, and God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it; have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over every living thing that moves on the earth.” Genesis 1:26-28 NKJV
When God created Adam and Eve, He instructed them to have children and for those children to have children. God loves us and He loves our children. He wants to bless us and our children. God wants to bless us with children. In a perfect world, no one would have any difficulty conceiving or giving birth to healthy offspring, but we do not live in a perfect world. Many people have a difficult time producing children and many never do. However, God’s Word is still true. We can stand on God’s Word concerning children, just as we can for healing or for finances. If it is not possible for us to have our own children and if God has not made us a specific promise about it that we can attach our faith to, and we still would like to raise some children, there are many options open to us. God loves ALL children and commands us to take care of ALL of them as a society. It is God’s people, who have more love in their hearts than anyone, when it comes to children.
He raiseth up the poor out of the dust, and lifteth the needy out of the dunghill; 8 That he may set him with princes, even with the princes of his people. 9 He maketh the barren woman to keep house, and to be a joyful mother of children. Praise ye the LORD. Psalms 113:7-9 KJV
God promises to make the barren woman to keep house, and to be a joyful mother of children! Abraham and Sarah waited 25 years for Isaac. It took that long for Abraham’s faith to grow so solid and so unshakeable in the promise of God, so that when Isaac was a teenager, he did not hesitate to obey God and give him back to God as a sacrifice, expecting God to raise him up from the ashes! If he had not had 25 years to build strong faith in God and His promise, he may have hesitated to obey God at that moment.
Hannah waited for years for children and had none, but when she made a vow to God, to give Him her firstborn, He heard and answered her fervent prayer. He gave her the desire of her heart and this son was the great priest, Samuel. Hannah gave Samuel to God and He blessed her with many more children. God also gave children to other barren women, with the proviso that these children would be separated unto Him. God spoke to Manoah’s wife and gave her the child named Samson. He spoke to Zechariah and his wife, Elizabeth, gave birth to John the Baptist. These families were so grateful for the children that God gave them, that they were more than happy to obey Him in the naming and raising of these children.
If God gives you an assurance in your heart about your own children, then, by all means, put all your trust and faith in His promise. You see, when you know that the answer is already yours, you know it in your heart – you have not one doubt. You might have an occasional doubtful thought that tries to intrude into your head, but your heart is fixed on God and His promise! If you are just hoping, but you have doubts in your heart, first talk to God some more. Clarify the issue in your heart before God. Whatever you have a release for in your heart, you can apply your faith to. Whatever you have a “scratchiness” or uneasiness about requires more prayer and time in God’s Word. You can only extend your faith into areas that God has said, “Yes” to not the things that are “No” or “I don’t know.”
This is a prayer you can pray every time you bless your food:
You shall serve the Lord your God; He shall bless your bread and water, and I will take sickness from your midst. 26 None shall lose her young by miscarriage or be barren in your land; I will fulfill the number of your days. Exodus 23:25-26 AMP
God’s promise to us always comes with a condition. Serve God so that He can bless you. If we meet the condition, He will keep His word. Remember, it is always according to your faith – not merely your hopes or your wishes. God wants to bless you and He already has a plan for your life. Sometimes, we want to give God the plan and ask Him to bless it. Find out what God’s plan is for you – it is already blessed! When it comes to believing God for children, it seems as if more people get messed up in this area than any other, because it’s such an emotional issue. God wants us to love children, protect them and provide for them – whether it’s your own or another’s. Whether we raise our own children, adopt children, build orphanages, or give money to those who take care of abandoned or orphaned children. God loves children and will bless those who bless them!
May the Lord give you increase more and more, you and your children. 15 May you be blessed of the Lord, Who made heaven and earth! 16 The heavens are the Lord’s heavens, but the earth has He given to the children of men. Psalms 115:14-16 AMP