As parents living in this world that we are presently in, it is easy to be overtaken by fear. Sin and depravity abound in our culture and it’s frightening to think what our children will face in the future. Will they be able to worship God as they please or will they suffer persecution? Will the darkness and sinful ideals of our culture overtake them? Will they be able to stand up for truth or will they be squelched? What exactly is the world going to look like when they are raising families of their own?
I was discussing these questions with a few friends recently and sharing with them how easy it is to let fear begin to creep in. One of them reminded me of something that I have been holding onto ever since. She said something like, “We have to remember that God chose our children to live in these times that we are now facing.” First, let me point out how important it is to surround ourselves with like-minded friends. They keep us grounded and pull us back in when our thinking gets out of whack. Second, think about what she said. Our children were CHOSEN to live in this period of time! These times that we are living in are no surprise to God. So, we must never doubt that He will equip them and give them all that they need. We cannot take our responsibility of training them lightly.
It is imperative that we pray over our children daily and using scripture as a guideline is the most powerful way to petition our Lord on their behalf. In THIS POST I wrote about the benefits of praying Psalm 91 over our families. I still pray this entire chapter several times a week as a request for spiritual protection over my husband and children. I recently stumbled upon Romans 12 (which we know “stumbled” means the Holy Spirit led me to it) which I have found to be another great chapter to pray over my children. I encourage you to take the time to read through this passage and ask God to give your children the strength to live as Paul encouraged the Christian churches in Rome to live.
Our prayers for our children should not merely be that they simply make it through life unscathed. As Christians, our goal should not be to sit in our Christian bubble while silently serving God, so as not to draw any attention to ourselves. On the contrary, we should pray that our children are more than conquerors (Romans 8:37); that they go into the world and preach the gospel to their friends, families, coworkers, and neighbors, (Mark 16:15); and that they go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. (Matthew 28:19).
God keeps reminding me that we are living in an age where our children have to be spiritually strong. Our freedoms are slowly being taken away and unless something changes, their generation will have to stand up for their faith more so than any of us in America have had to at this point. They will need to be a light in the darkness and an example to those around them of the hope that comes only from Jesus. As parents, this may be intimidating to think about as we do not know what opposition our children will encounter, but there are several promises that we need to keep in mind.
- God put our children here. Their lives did not come to be through happenstance. “For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place, when I was woven together in the depths of the earth.” (Psalm 139:13, 15). The Creator of the universe not only intricately designed our children, but He also placed them here fully aware of what they would face in their lifetimes.
- God has a purpose for them. “Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.” (Psalm 139:16) God not only created our children in the depths of our womb, he also ordained their days. Ephesians 2:10 says, “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” I don’t know about you, but knowing that God has work prepared for my children to do brings me great peace.
- God will equip them. When we teach our children God’s Word and encourage them to use the Bible as their main source for wisdom, they will be fully prepared for anything that comes their way. “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” The scriptures will strengthen them and provide them with everything that they need.
- God will be with them: “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Matthew 28:19-20 We never have to worry about our children being alone as long as they are walking with Jesus. He will be with them, guiding them and leading them in all of their ways.
- God will give them wisdom: “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.” James 1:5 In any situation in life, our children will simply have to ask God for wisdom and He will give it to them.
I can guarantee you that life will not be easy for our children, just as it is not for us. Being a Christian does not make us exempt from heartache and pain. But, we can have complete peace knowing that our children were created by God and he has ordained their days. Don’t live in fear! Teach your children that no matter how tough life is, God has put them here, has a purpose for their lives, will equip them, will be with them, and will give them wisdom if they just ask. Remind them that the reward that they will have waiting if they stay connected to The Vine will be worth whatever hardship and persecution that they may face. Tell Jesus that you need Him to guide YOU in this process because apart from Him, we can do NOTHING. (John 15:5). Trust the Lord today with your children’s lives and futures. And whatever you do, DON’T WAIT!!!
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