The other morning I was moving a picture screen full of pictures from my dining room to the living room. As I looked over the pictures, I couldn’t help but wonder where the time had gone. My girls are 14, 13, and 8 now.
At times I struggle, with the concern that my girls will just rely on the faith of their parents and not make it their own or flat out reject God.
When I took my fear to God, He impressed on my heart four things I could do as a parent.
1. I can set the example
Even though my girls may not sit with me while I do my quiet times with God, the time I spend in the Word influences the way I go through my day as well as how I react. We also make it a point to have dinner together as a family every night and have devotions together afterwards.
2. Pray for them
I have a desire to see them want to have a quiet time and prayer time on their own, so I pray that they will have a hunger for God and His word.
It’s not only important to pray for the present but also for our children’s future (who they marry, schooling, career and their spiritual lives).
3. Pray with them
When one of my girls has an issue with a friend or has to make a difficult decision, I try to make a point of praying with her over the situation. By doing this she will see how important is to bring their requests to God – no matter how small or large they are. Then when the answer comes, they will experience God answering prayers.
4. I can pray for moments when I can bring God and His word to the forefront.
There have been times we were out at the store or riding in the car and within the conversation I have been able to say, “This is what God says in His word about the situation and a reason why it’s wrong to do this activity.”
To be honest though, these steps don’t guarantee that they will go the way of the Lord. As parents we can only do what we can and then leave everything to God. We must learn to lean on the promise “…so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty but will accomplish what I desire…” (Isaiah 55:11)
This gives me hope for my children’s future. God’s in control. I need to let Him have His way.
“I have no greater joy, than to hear that my children are walking in the truth“
(3 John 1:4 NIV 1984).
Solitude with the Father 