Childlike Persistence and Trust: Lessons from My Toddler
I’m often humbled by the spiritual lessons I learn from my toddler. My 3-year-old daughter has a way of teaching me profound truths about faith, persistence, and trust. Like most kids her age, she’s confident her needs will be met when she comes to her mom. Whether she needs a snack, wants me to read her favorite book, or hopes I’ll watch her jump off the couch for the umpteenth time, she approaches me with complete trust and determination.
Her timing, of course, doesn’t always align with mine. Sometimes I’m in the middle of something and can’t immediately tend to her requests. But that doesn’t deter her one bit. She doesn’t give up or wander off in defeat. Instead, she keeps asking – again and again – with relentless expectancy, knowing I’m listening, even if my response is delayed.
Watching her persistence has given new depth to Matthew 7:7: “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.” As a mom, I’ve come to see this verse through the lens of my daughter’s trust and determination. Her example has helped me better understand what it means to persist in prayer and trust God hears me – even when His timing doesn’t align with my own.
My daughter’s persistence reminds me of the attitude God calls us to have when we approach Him in prayer, especially as we pray for the salvation of those around us. Sharing the good news of Yeshua (Jesus) with those who do not know Him yet is a ministry that demands unwavering prayer, continual seeking, and faith-filled knocking. It’s not always a fast or straightforward journey. You may spend years praying for a family member, a friend, or a community without seeing any visible change. In those moments, it’s tempting to feel discouraged, stop asking, or think your prayers aren’t making a difference.
But Matthew 7:7 is an anchor of hope. It reminds us to keep asking, keep seeking, and keep knocking. Why? Because God is listening. He’s at work in ways we often can’t see, and His timing is always perfect.
One of the things I admire most about my daughter’s persistence is the trust that underlies it. She knows she can approach me at any time, even if I am in the middle of something, and her persistence is a reflection of her faith in my care for her. In the same way, when we bring our prayers before God, we’re showing that we trust Him. Even if we haven’t received a response yet – or when His answer looks different from what we expect – we can rest in the assurance that He hears us, loves us, and is working everything out for His glory.
Praying for the salvation of others is one of the greatest acts of trust we can demonstrate. It requires faith in God’s promises, patience in His timing, and perseverance when the road feels long. But it’s also an act of obedience that brings us closer to Him. Therefore, let's dedicate ourselves to be in prayer for the Jewish people. God has called us to lift up His chosen people in prayer, interceding for their salvation and for their hearts to be open to the truth of Yeshua.
Be persistent, even if you do not see fruit: Prayer is not always about immediate results but about faithfully trusting God’s timing and purpose. Just as the widow continued to knock at the judge’s door (Luke 18:1–8), so Yeshua calls us to continue in prayer even if we do not see immediate changes.
Approach God with faith, understanding that He hears, loves, and cares for us: When we come to God in prayer, we can trust He is listening attentively, responding in ways that are for His glory and our good. Let us keep in mind what Yeshua said: “So if you, despite being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good things to those who ask him!” (Matthew 7:11). Therefore, we can trust in the goodness of the God we pray to.
Take seriously the calling you have to pray for others: Scripture calls us to intercede for one another, and praying for others is a powerful way to partner with God in His work. Paul said his heart’s desire was for Israel to be saved (Romans 10:1). For this reason, let’s be in prayer for the salvation of the Jewish people and the preservation of Israel.
Written by Hannah, Life in Messiah staff
Is there someone God has put on your heart? If you’re able, pause for a moment and pray for them now.
If you want to intercede for the Jewish people and Israel but aren’t sure where to begin, you can use this prayer guide as a starting point. God is at work among the Jewish people, and it’s our privilege and calling to partner with Him through prayer!
Persisting in prayer can be hard at times, especially when we see no sign of change (or things may even appear to be getting worse!). But let’s “keep knocking” and refuse to give up, remembering that the Spirit and Yeshua are interceding for us (Romans 8:26, 34), and the Father delights in the “prayer of the upright” (Proverbs 15:8).