“We will not hide these truths from our children; we will tell the next generation about the glorious deeds of the Lord, about his power and his mighty wonders” Psalm78: 4
We have a wall covered in photos in our dining room; none are great photos but that is not why they are there. Each photo represents a story of God’s provision and prayers answered. When our grandchildren come over, these pictures make a way for us to tell them of how God did what we could not.
We serve a God who is faithful and fully trustworthy. I did not know any of my grandparents well. I met one grandmother twice and the other grandmother was never very interested in me or my siblings. I have no memories of any stories from her. My grandfathers’ had passed away long before I was born. I want to be a different sort of grandmother. I for sure want to be a fun grandmother but there are some other things I want them to remember. This is the truth most dear to my heart.My prayer and practice is to share these truths along the way with each precious child.
Here is my list:
· 1. Tell each of my grandchildren that life can be hard in this world, but God is real and able to help. I want them to know that when trouble comes, He truly is a very present help in times of trouble (Psalm 46:1).
· 2. Help them understand that God sees them, and He loves them.
· 3.Tell them that He is unchanging, , all-powerful and true through every generation.
· 4. I want my grandchildren to know that Jesus makes a huge difference in my life every day and I am lost without Him.
· 5. Tell them that Jesus gives us purpose and is merciful; He forgives us when we fall short.
· 6. Help them see that He is merciful and kind. He has plans for their precious lives and they are good plans.
· 7. I want them to know that they have choices; all kinds of choices and decisions to make ahead of them. As they make those choices, I hope and pray that they will “ Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things will be given to you as well”. Matthew 6:33
They will not seek Him if they do not know that He is worthy to be sought. Someone has to tell them.I hope and trust their parents do but I want to do my part as well. Psalm 78 reminds us of how and why we need to tell stories of what we have seen God do over the years. It makes a difference. It did then and it does now.
We all have stories, big and small. May God give us the wisdom and courage to speak up when the opportunity comes. Life can be frightening as we all know. All we have to do is read the news on any given day to know that. I think of what life will be like for these precious children in the years ahead. They will need someone bigger than people to lead them through whatever is ahead. He will be as faithful to them as He has been to us. I want them to know.
Dear Father,
You have given me many assignments in my lifetime, this one though is very dear to my heart. I ask that you would show me when an opportunity to speak up is before me. Help me to say what is needed and not a word more. Give me wisdom and insight into what truths you would have me share. What are my stories that I can share with them? Holy Spirit, draw each of my grandchildren to yourself. I pray for that child whose parent will not allow me to speak- then Holy Spirit, please do what I cannot. I pray for my loved one, soften their heart and draw them to yourself.
Thank you
in Jesus Name,
Amen