Lord, please search the hearts of my children. Point out anything in their hearts or minds that offends You. Convict them of their sins, Lord. It is only by the power of Your Holy Spirit that we truly see our actions and attitudes the way You do. Change my children in the areas that they need change, and lead them along the path of everlasting life. Psalm 139: 23-24 In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
There is a fine line between teaching and nagging, between guiding to maturity and trying to control. I have crossed this line many times, and it never turns out well. Honestly, it took me a while to realize that I am not the Holy Spirit in their lives and I should not try to be. It is, in fact, sinful to try to be. Only the Holy Spirit can breathe transforming truth to my children to change what needs to be changed. I am simply required to hold out truth to them, to teach truth to them—but it is the Holy Spirit who makes that truth transform them.
Our calling to a big family and lots of children is a great blessing, indeed. It is also hard work. A scripture that has been a great source of comfort to me is found in Isaiah 54:13
“All your children will be taught by the Lord, and great will be their peace.”
Did you catch that first word? All. I love that. In this day and age it seems a difficult feat for all seven of my children to be followers of truth. God says differently, and I lay claim to that promise on a daily basis, and I am so thankful that my children are walking with the Lord. That is not to say that my children and yours won’t have seasons of wandering. I have had those seasons, too. But I believe God’s Word and I believe the power of His Holy Spirit. I encourage you to believe for your children until they believe wholeheartedly for themselves.
