Posted on: 9th May 2024

Looking at this picture, you might think that the title of this blog is referring to the child holding the hand of the adult, who to them, looks like a giant. But I want to flip our perspective! What if the adult who is holding the hand of the child is actually holding the hand of a giant who is not yet fully grown?

Children are physically smaller, but what would happen if we chose to see them as the people that they are growing into? What if, as we guide them and lead them in their early years, we are actually holding the hands of giants?

Whether we’re in children’s ministry or not, or whether we are parents or not, we all have a responsibility to raise up the next generation. Do not underestimate the importance of giving children and young people a strong spiritual foundation. It will stay with them for the rest of their lives!

‘Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it.’ (Proverbs 22:6)

The Kingdom of God is intergenerational. We need mothers and fathers who are raising up the next generation of giants. We mustn’t be “precious” about our roles or our leadership, but we must use our roles to give opportunities to the next generation.

If we call out the gold in those who are younger than us and give them opportunities to use their gifts, they may get things wrong. They might not do things as well as we would do them at first. Or they might even do things totally different to the way we’d do them! Are we okay with that?

This is how a move of God can be sustainable. Revival was never meant to be carried by one generation – it’s a family thing!

We are blessed to have a network of devoted and consistent children and youth workers and organisations in Leeds. The good work that is going on is securing Leeds for the Kingdom of God now and for the future. Spiritual giants are rising up all around us in our children and young people – can you spot them?

‘We will not hide these truths from our children;

we will tell the next generation about the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord,

about his power and his mighty wonders.’

(Psalm 78:4)

By Mary Swain, Dayspring Church