God, Life and Health

I find it is difficult to understand how children who have been raised in homes where Jesus is Lord will walk away and choose to live in the world apart from the LORD.  All we have ever wanted for our children is for their good.  When I started parenting  I thought I knew everything about parenting, then in a few years I realized I was totally clueless.  As our children began to leave the nest I came to realize that everything that was good in our home was a gift from the LORD and my job was that of a “vessel” who was completely dependent on Him and the out pouring of His grace for the well being of our children.

“And who will harm you if you become followers of what is good?  But even if you should suffer for righteousness sake you are blessed.” 1 Peter3:13

When our children live under our roof we have the opportunity to teach and train them in the ways of the LORD.  Looking back at this time of child raising it seems to have been but a brief moment.  Before we know it our children are grown and have left the nest  to fly on their own.  This is when we wonder if what we taught them will actually stick and become real to them. 

“But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense in your hearts to everyone who asks you for the reason for the hope that lies within you, with meekness and fear; having good conscience, that when they defame you as evil doers, those who revile your good conduct in Christ may be ashamed.  For it is better, if it is the will of God, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil.” 1 Peter 3:15 -17

My heart knows how the world can hurt you and spit you back out.  Oh that our children would be spared the pain  that the world has to offer and receive the fullness of the blessing that the LORD has for them.  So many young adults seem to be walking in the world to find their way.  The verse above says that we are to  give a defense to everyone who asks for the hope that lies within you.  For many of these young people asking us would be the furthest thing from their minds.  They don’t want to ask because they don’t want to hear what we will say. 

What will it cost them as they experience the world?  What seeds of corruptions with they sow?  What will they reep?  Oh that this time of walking in the world would be cut short and the LORD’s grace would set their feet on the sure Rock of Jesus Christ…..”being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus;” Philippians 1:6