When they are infants they are completely dependent on
us. That is daunting, but as they (surprisingly)
survive and thrive we start to get smug.
Then we begin to work on molding their behaviors. We are driven by the desire for them to make
a good impression. Life is wonderful when people say "you have a nice
family" and sucks when a child throws a tantrum in the supermarket. Their lives are full of promise and who I am
is wrapped in their potential success.
Sometimes we succeed in making them appear good - but
in so doing we may be setting up trouble because it is their heart that really
counts, not the behavior. And they are
more likely to learn (and rebel against) the latter not the former.
All of this is exhausting and we can't wait for the
next stage, until it comes.
Early adulthood comes through like a tornado. All of a sudden they are out of our control,
independent, strong willed, and invincible, yet with brains that are still not
fully developed. Some do well and we can
glow in their glory. But some make
decisions that are counter to our core values and it wracks our very
being. And there is not much we can do
about it but hide and hurt.
But what is the bible truth?
Look at Abraham, the epitome of faith, and
consequently the father of a nation. The
test that defined his success was that he trusted God with his son, by obeying
an instruction to sacrifice him that seemed to contradict the promise that this
child was the route to untold generations. Isaac had been borne after decades
of waiting, well beyond normal fertility, making him miraculous. Also do not
forget the love that Abraham would have had for any child. The scope of his
sacrifice is indescribable. The burden, cost and side effects were enormous,
indicating that Abraham’s trust in God’s ability to overcome the consequences
was also enormous. And that is precisely where God wanted him.
God forced Abraham to find his fulfilment in God, by
letting go of his child. It does not
mean that his love of, or concern for, the child was any less, but he had to let
God be responsible for Isaac’s destiny.
That hits home to me. Bullseye.
So where do I go from here?
· Love,
teach, encourage, care for and exhort them, without qualification· Pray for them unceasingly, but that does not mean nagging or panicking
· Trust God with their souls and their paths, remembering that He loves them more than I
· Continue to fulfil my own ministry in obedience to Him
