Are you confused or “saved and stuck” like I was for many years? I had no idea how to minister hope and healing to myself let alone anyone else. Where do you think that the fruit including peace and joy we have in Christ comes from? The hope we have in heaven alone? Or do you believe that life on this earth is just hit or miss? “Because you just never know what God is going to do?” Can you even begin to know how to give hope to someone who has suffered the loss of a child?

I Shall Go to Him

King David made a profound statement in 2 Samuel 12:23 about the loss of a child as follows:

But now he is dead, wherefore should I fast? can I bring him back again? I shall go to him, but he shall not return to me. [2Sa 12:23 KJV]

King David is known as the “man after God’s own heart (1 Sam 13:14, Acts 13:22).” He wasn’t given this title because of his fidelity to righteous living. And the Bible tells us plainly that we have all sinned and fallen short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23). David always came back to seeking God! That is the definition of a man or woman after God’s own heart (Matt 6:33). Seeking God’s righteousness comes by faith, not works, and always has (Romans 3:22, 4:5, 11, Galatians 3:6).

Revelation of God

The Bible is a progressive revelation of Jesus, God manifested (revealed) in the flesh (1 Timothy 3:16). The people in the Old Testament didn’t have the power and authority that Jesus returned to us at His death, burial, and resurrection (Revelation 12). The authors were led by the Holy Spirit to record historical moments from their limited knowledge and understanding. In 2 Samuel 12:22, David said, “Who can tell if God will be gracious unto me.” We can see God’s grace and mercy clearly throughout David’s entire life.

King David didn’t realize that “the enemies of God” in 2 Samuel 12:14 were demonic forces (even people under demonic influence). David didn’t realize his own grievous sin gave place to the devil (Ephesians 4:27).

We often read this verse thinking God killed David and Bathsheba’s child, but a thorough study of King David’s life reveals that David himself pronounced the four-fold judgment on himself (2 Samuel 12:5-7, Matthew 7:1, Luke 6:37). An even further study of God’s true nature revealed through Christ Jesus reveals that we have an enemy or thief that again (John 10:10), King David wasn’t aware of.

The David Story: Shepherd, Father, King

The David Story (link above) is an excellent free online course from Hillsdale College.

Prayer and Fasting

Why doesn’t prayer and fasting prevent the loss of a child or any other tragedy? Fasting and prayer should never be used to get God Almighty to do something He has already done.

Check out Andrew Wommack’s teaching, “You’ve Already Got It” for more information. It’s awesome!

The Purpose in Prayer

Prayer is fellowship or relationship with Jesus and should be a constant moment by moment joy in the believer’s life. Yes, that is to say without ceasing (1 Thessalonians 5:17). Jesus’ followers or disciples need to be confident in hearing His voice and even seeing Him often (John 10:27, Acts 22:14, Romans 2:11). 1 Corinthians 12, and 1 Corinthians 14 teach us about the gifts of the Spirit. Being disciples in these areas is imperative to have the power and ability to minister to others.

The Power in Fasting

In Matthew 17:20-21, Jesus explains that they could not cast out the demonic spirit because of their unbelief. He goes on to tell them that this kind can come out only by prayer and fasting. There is no devil in hell that can resist the name of Jesus and His power and authority. Jesus was talking about our unbelief. Fasting and praying obliterate unbelief (James 1:6-8).

Again, King David didn’t have this revelation knowledge that we have as New Testament believers. Why didn’t God tell David? Because, David also didn’t have the power and authority over the devil that we, New Testament believers have.

Ministry for the Loss of a Child

There is hope for the parent who has suffered the loss of a child and any other tragedy.

First, you must be born again yourself and operating in the power provided only through the gifts of the Holy Spirit which begins with being baptized in the Holy Spirit.

Second, you need to know the true nature of God revealed through His Son Jesus (John 17:3).

To know what God is willing to do is to know His character. 

AWMI.net

Third, we cannot minister what we don’t have. Discipleship evangelism is imperative for growing up to receive our own inheritance so that we can freely give as we freely receive.

The Take-Away

God doesn’t kill anyone! How many people did Jesus kill or curse with sickness (Romans 9:15-16)?

God Almighty is not watching and waiting to zap anyone into hell for any excuse He can find (2 Peter 3:9)!

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. [Jhn 3:16 KJV]
For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. [Jhn 3:17 KJV]

The loss of a child and any other tragedy is demonic! The loss of a child is not life and that life more abundantly:

The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have [it] more abundantly. [Jhn 10:10 KJV]

Death, destruction, sin, sickness, etc. were all nonexistent until the serpent deceived Eve. And then Adam listened to her instead of God (Genesis 3, 3:17, Romans 5:12-14)! Nothing that comes to steal, kill, and destroy exists after the devil is cast into the lake of fire and brimstone (Revelation 20:10), and those that reject Jesus are cast into the lake of fire along with hell and death (Revelation 20:14-15).

Verses of Hope for the Loss of a Child

Moreover your little ones, which ye said should be a prey, and your children, which in that day had no knowledge between good and evil, they shall go in thither, and unto them will I give it, and they shall possess it. [Deu 1:39 KJV]

But Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven. [Mat 19:14 KJV]

And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. [Mat 18:3 KJV]
Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven. [Mat 18:4 KJV]
And whoso shall receive one such little child in my name receiveth me. [Mat 18:5 KJV]

Take heed that ye despise not one of these little ones; for I say unto you, That in heaven their angels do always behold the face of my Father which is in heaven. [Mat 18:10 KJV]
For the Son of man is come to save that which was lost. [Mat 18:11 KJV]

But when Jesus saw [it], he was much displeased, and said unto them, Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God. [Mar 10:14 KJV]

I used OpenBible.info to find these verses searching the “age of accountability” to find hope for the loss of a child.

Ephesians 1

The book of Ephesians was written specifically for Gentiles who were never under the Mosaic Law (Eph 2:11, 3:6).

I hope this post helps anyone who is suffering from tragedy or loss. There is hope! Please reach out to me by booking an appointment for ministry or encouragement. Contact or email at star@youwillwantto.com