A Good Father Doesn’t Give a Snake

Teaching Children to Trust in God’s Timing

Children are honest about what they want — and they want it now.
When a prayer isn’t answered right away, they often ask the question adults still wonder quietly: “Did God even hear me?”

It’s a hard question, especially when what they’re asking for feels good or kind — a friend to get better, a lost pet to return, a dream to come true. But Scripture gives us a clear answer, one that speaks gently to both children and grown hearts.

“What Father Among You…”

In the Gospel of Luke, Jesus says:

“What father among you, if his son asks for a fish, will instead of a fish give him a snake?
Or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion?
If you then, who are sinful, know how to give good gifts to your children,
how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him!”
(Luke 11:11–13)

It’s such a simple image, but one that children understand instantly.
If your child asked for something good — something safe and nourishing — you wouldn’t give them something harmful instead.
And neither would God.

That means when our prayers aren’t answered the way we expect, it’s not because God didn’t listen — it’s because He’s giving us something better, even if it takes time to see it.

When “Not Yet” Is Still an Answer

Children often think a prayer that isn’t answered right away means God said no.
But sometimes He’s saying not yet.

Waiting teaches trust. It helps a child (and a parent) realize that prayer is not a wish list — it’s a relationship. It’s learning to rest in the truth that God gives only good gifts, even when they don’t look like what we asked for.

When your child feels discouraged, remind them:

“God isn’t ignoring you. He’s just working on something bigger than we can see.”

That’s when The Patience Prayer becomes so helpful:

“Oh God, help us to be patient,
knowing that all good gifts
come from You in Your own time.”

Say it together when you’re waiting for something — whether it’s healing, an answer, or even just a better day.

God Hears Every Prayer — Even the Ones You Haven’t Said Yet

One of the mysteries of faith is that God isn’t bound by time.
To Him, every moment — past, present, and future — is now.
That means He hears every prayer you will ever say, from your first word to your last breath, all at once.

Sometimes the reason we don’t see an answer right away is because God is answering another prayer — one we haven’t even prayed yet. He’s already preparing tomorrow’s grace, next month’s comfort, next year’s miracle.

So when it feels like He’s silent, remember: He’s still speaking — just in a moment we haven’t reached yet.

You can tell your child,

“God already knows every prayer you’ll ever say. He’s not late — He’s already there.”

Stories That Build Trust

Kids understand stories. Try sharing simple examples of answered prayers that took time — maybe from your own life or the lives of people you know.

You can say:

• “Remember when we prayed for Daddy to find a new job? It didn’t happen right away, but when it did, it turned out to be better than what we hoped for.”

• “When you lost your favorite toy, we prayed — and we didn’t find it for days, but we found it right before we needed it.”

These stories plant seeds of trust. They show that God listens with love, not speed.

(See “There’s More Than One Way to Pray” for ways to help children stay connected to God while they wait.)

The Gift of the Holy Spirit

Jesus ends His teaching by saying that the Father gives the Holy Spirit to those who ask — not necessarily everything we want, but everything we need to grow closer to Him.

That’s a lesson worth sharing with children: God always answers, but sometimes His answer is a gift of peace, strength, or comfort rather than the exact thing we asked for.

You can tell them,

“When you pray, God always gives you something. Sometimes it’s the courage to wait.”

Helping Kids Pray Through Waiting

Here are a few simple ways to help children practice trust while they wait for their prayers to be answered:

• Light a candle together for the intention and say, “We’ll keep the light burning until God shows us His answer.”

• Keep a “prayer jar” — write down requests and later look back at how God responded over time.

• End each prayer with, “Thank You, God, for hearing me,” even before you know the answer.

These habits turn waiting into worship.

“God never gives us snakes when we ask for bread —
only blessings, even when they come disguised as delays.”

And sometimes, the blessing He’s preparing
is an answer to a prayer we haven’t said yet.