How to Stop Theft of Your Child’s God-given Potential

Undoubtedly you know, every child has God-given potential. But did you know that forces of darkness work around the clock to crush it?

From the beginning, the devil has wanted control of the earth. He deceived Eve, “the mother of all living,” for one reason. To gain access to the world’s children over whom he could exercise control.

We see an example of this in Daniel chapter 1. The Babylonian king Nebuchadnezzar came to Jerusalem and besieged it. He took treasures from the house of the only living God and carried them to the storehouse of his idol-god in Shinar. (Dan 1:1-2)

Then he told the master of the eunuchs:

“Bring some of the king’s descendants and some of the nobles, young men in whom there was no blemish, but good-looking, gifted in all wisdom, possessing knowledge and quick to understand, who had ability to serve in the king’s palace, and whom they might teach the language and literature of the Chaldeans.” (Daniel 1:3-4)

Notice three things:

1. The devil sees your child’s God-given potential.
2. His goal is to steal your children in the flower of their youth so he can imbue them with confusion and derail them.
3. The devil aims to use your children to serve him in his kingdom of darkness.

God-given potential seen in anointed names

For the most part, the Hebrews gave a lot of thought to naming their children. Sometimes, however, they gave them names based on a perceived strength or weakness. In some instances, God renamed a person to break the negative overtone of his birth name. He then gave that person a new name that spoke of blessing and God-given potential.

In Daniel chapter 1, the master of the eunuchs brought four Hebrew boys of royal lineage to King Nebuchadnezzar: Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah. The meanings of their names are glorious and powerful.

• Daniel means “God is Judge.”
• Hananiah, “God is gracious.”
• Azariah, “God is help.”
• Mishael, “Who is like God?”

Think of it – when people spoke their names, God received utmost glory, and favor surrounded them.

The devil attempts to distort God-given potential

So, what did the Babylonians do? They gave the Hebrew boys new names, the meaning of which contradicted their God-given potential and I.D.

• They called Daniel by Belteshazzar (“Bel will protect”).
• Hananiah’s new name was Shadrach which means (“inspired of Aku“).
• Mishael’s new name was Meshach (“belongs to Aku”), and
• Azariah’s new name Abednego means “servant of Nego.”

Every time people spoke those names, they spoke lies, glorifying false gods and idols.

Don’t let the devil steal your children

However, no matter our names, when we receive Christ, we can discover the riches of a new spiritual I.D in Him. Once you know your I.D. in Christ, no one can steal it from you.

So, do not allow the devil to intimidate you into bowing to his antichrist agenda. Do not let people with dark minds distort your or your child’s God-given potential and I.D. in Christ.

Take Control of Your Children’s Destiny

Finally, Psalm 127:3 says, “Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord. The fruit of the womb is a reward” – your gift, blessing, and legacy from God.

So, besides taking care of and providing for your children’s needs:

1. Take back your rightful role as your children’s teacher and nurturer.
2. Train your children with wisdom, love, and discipline.
3. Tell them who they are in Christ, the world’s only Savior.
4. Help them be who God wants them to be.
5. Teach them to live free and fear God, not people.