They arrive without instructions, user manuals or precautionary statements. When our little ones come to us, the may appear to be blank canvases ready to be molded and shaped, but it is my opinion that they are already hard wired. Life influences will lead to cause and affect, and parents are incredibly influential, but our Heavenly Father has created a unique work of art made to fulfill His plans and purposes. These precious gifts from the Lord are unique in the way they think, process information, make decisions and complete tasks. No two are alike and their differences are what give our families fullness.
Psalm 127 - A song of ascents. Of Solomon.
Unless the LORD builds the house, the builders labor in vain. Unless the LORD watches over the city, the guards stand watch in vain. In vain you rise early and stay up late, toiling for food to eat— for he grants sleep to those he loves. Children are a heritage from the LORD, offspring a reward from him. Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are children born in one’s youth. Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them. They will not be put to shame when they contend with their opponents in court. NIV
What keeps you up at night? Do you worry about the future of this little one who has been placed in your care? Please be encouraged that no one loves our children more than the LORD. Christ encouraged the children to come to Him. They were drawn to the Savior with a natural attraction for His perfect love for them. There were no pretentious motives or selfish ambition, simply a desire to be where Jesus was, right next to Him. Jesus loved them and the honesty and faith of these little ones. “He called a little child to him, and placed the child among them. And he said: “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me. If anyone causes one of these little ones—those who believe in me—to stumble, it would be better for them to have a large millstone hung around their neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea." Matthew 18:2-6 NIV
My husband and I have four sons. All very different. Although between them they may share characteristics, they express them differently. All four are intelligent and athletic, but each utilizes their gifts in unique ways. Psalm 22:6 says, Train up a child in the way he should go, And when he is old he will not depart from it. It is a challenge as a parent to promote, encourage and guide our children when we do not know what the Lord has planned for their lives, or do we? We may not know if they will be teachers, business leaders, doctors, lawyers or pastors, but there are several things God's word teaches us.
As parents it is our duty to teach our children the Lord's rules to live by and to trust the Father to teach them everything He desires them to know. Deuteronomy 6:1-7, John 14:21-23,and 2 Timothy 3:14-15
God has prepared the lives of your children before they were born. He has a plan and purpose for them. Psalm 129:13-16, and Jeremiah 29:11-13
A very wise woman once told me that our jobs as parent were to teach our children as they grow to rely on us less and to rely on the Lord more. This has served me well as my husband I have raised our sons. It brings joy to my heart when I see them studying God's Word on their own, reading devotions, going to church as grown adults and praying over a meal they have prepared. I know the Lord is directing their steps, and if I keep out of the way, He will direct their paths.
It is both reassuring and arduous to not worry about the future of our babies. We try to do the right thing, make the perfect decisions, and usher in grand opportunities, but as I watch my babies become men, I rejoice that then LORD has done as He promised.
All your children will be taught by the LORD, and great will be their peace. Isaiah 54:13 NIV
You see, my LORD has called each of my sons to take a unique path for their life. Some of these paths are not safe or easy. I would not have chosen these for my precious babies, but Elohim has a plan and a purpose. I trust Him in ALL things, and since these men are not mine, but His, I will submit my wishes and desires to the One who knows what is best for the ones He loves.
Holy Father God, my ABBA, I am so very thankful that You have chosen me to be the parent to Your precious creations. I am humbled that You trust me with their care. Please help me submit my will to Your perfect plans for my child. As I cooperate with Your plans, I stand in amazement to watch You open doors of opportunity, equip them with gifts and talents to succeed in Your purposes and mold their hearts in the image of Your perfect Son, our Savior, Jesus Christ the Lord. Please give me the wisdom to point my child to You for direction, and help me to be the example of a heart that seeks You above all things. Amen.