“MOM!” is not something you want to hear at 2 o’clock in the morning. Unfortunately, my oldest was dealing with some scary dreams that were shaking her to her core and I was hearing that more and more.
One morning I heard that, quickly got out of bed, and went into her room.
“McKenna, what’s wrong?”
“I had a really scary dream.”
“I am so sorry! Tell me what happened.”
She started to share hideous things. I was horrified.
THINKING ABOUT WHAT TO DO
Earlier that week I learned about a prayer strategy to use when kids have bad dreams. Pastor Kristi Graner, from Dare To Believe Ministries, shared the need to invite the Lord into the dream to show you how He will protect you or how the dream changes when He enters it. She had story after story of ways the Lord came into kids’ dreams and protected them from the evil they had dreamt earlier. She said it changed the kids’ view of those dreams because they saw the power of Jesus and it made Scripture come to life! He was teaching them about His character, as their protector (2 Thessalonians 3:3), and about His power over the enemy (1 John 4:4).
I am a firm believer if the Lord did it once, he can do it again (Revelation 19:10). I was skeptical, but willing to try this with my daughter.
ASKING JESUS TO COME INTO HER DREAM
I apologized to her and let her know I felt badly she was having this dream. I asked her if she was willing to pray and ask Jesus to come into her dream to show her how He would protect her.
I explained to her that in the Bible it says,
“But the Lord is faithful, and He will strengthen you and protect you from the evil one”.
(2 Thessalonians 3:3)
I then said, “Can you repeat after me a prayer I learned this last week?”
“Sure.”
“Jesus, please come into my dream and show me how you will protect me. In your name, amen.”
To be honest, my faith was small at that moment, but also expectant. My heart was hurting for my daughter who was being tormented by this dream and I needed help.
I took a leap of faith.
A friend once told me faith is spelled RISK* and that is exactly how I felt in that moment. What if God didn’t show up? What if God didn’t protect her in this dream? What would that mean for her faith? How would I explain it to her in the morning? All of the questions were swirling in my head as I tucked her back into bed. I gave her a kiss and made my way back to my room.
I did not hear from her again that night.
THE NEXT MORNING
When she woke up the next morning, she immediately came to find me. I gave her a big hug and asked her if Jesus came into her dreams last night.
“He did, mom.”
“What did He do?”
“He healed you and Daddy. You were not hurt anymore. Our whole family followed Jesus out of the building and I felt safe knowing nothing else could hurt us anymore.”
I was beaming. The RISK of faith I took paid off. Jesus showed up. It was amazing. Jesus really is the best teacher. That night, Jesus was able to teach her about His character as healer (Matthew 14:14, Luke 9:10-11, Luke 4:40, Matthew 4:24, just a few examples in Scripture), protector (2 Thessalonians 3:3), and how important it is to follow Him.
Scripture came to life for her.
I am so thankful that I get to be a part of my kids’ faith journey. The Lord is teaching me through their experiences too.
SINCE THAT NIGHT
Our home is FREE of nightmares.
I have taught this prayer strategy to each of my kids with great success.
The enemy has learned when he tries to put something in their dreams that would scare them, it has the opposite effect. It draws them closer to Jesus and increases their faith. He becomes MORE real to them, knowing that they have a God who LOVES and ADORES them. He has shown them He will do anything to protect them from the evil in their dreams and this transition is simple for their lives.
I have said this before in my posts, but I would like to say it again…Jesus is the BEST teacher. He brings Scripture to life in ways I never could have imagined or thought possible. I am so thankful I get to walk this faith journey with my kids.
Praise Jesus for how He loves us and cares for our EVERY need, even stepping into our dreams.
LET’S CONNECT
Do your kids have scary dreams? Consider trying this prayer strategy. Share with me what happens. Did it work? Did it not?
This strategy even works if you are not a believer in Jesus. He doesn’t discriminate between those who love Him and those who know Him. He loves ALL of His children and wants them to experience His love.
Maybe this will be the encounter a person needs to bring them into a love relationship with Jesus Christ. God works through ALL things.
I would love to hear from you. You can reach out through my CONTACT page or leave a comment below.
*John Wimber’s quote