“Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” Proverbs 22:6 (KJV)
One of the greatest God-given responsibilities on earth is raising children who know, love, and follow God. The Bible provides several examples of parents whose obedience to God shaped the destinies of their families and impacted nations and generations. The stories of the three parents below serve to remind us that faithful parenting begins with faithful obedience.
Noah obeyed God: (Genesis 6:22) – Parents today are called to be obedient even in the face of the prevailing culture, as obedience can protect families from all sorts of upheavals. Noah was mocked, but his obedience saved his family and gave mankind a new beginning. Let us all endeavour to build spiritual ‘arks’ for our families through obedience and trust in God.
Abraham trusted God with his son (Genesis 22:2-3) – Abraham loved his son, Isaac. He must have been uncomfortable with God’s directive, but simultaneously, he had great faith and trust in God’s ability to provide the needed sacrifice. The lesson here is that as parents, we should release our children fully to God’s plan for their lives, even when we are uncomfortable or unsure about the outcome. Just as He did with Abraham, God will honor our faith.
Hannah kept her promise to God (1 Samuel 1:27-28) – Hannah was deeply burdened by barrenness, yet when God granted her heart’s desire, she surrendered that very gift back to God. Despite the joy of finally being blessed with a child, she didn’t hesitate or question the vow she made; she chose God’s greater purpose over her own satisfaction. Obedience through surrender requires spiritual maturity and trust in God’s perfect plan. Like Hannah, may we all be ready and willing to give back our children to God for His greater purposes.
Obedience most times comes with a cost attached. In Noah’s case, he was set apart, ridiculed, isolated, and misunderstood. For Abraham, obedience cost him comfort and the security of being sure of the outcome. Obedience cost Hannah immediate joy, through her giving up the presence of her son in her life and watching him grow up in her home. But obedience to God, as evident in all three cases, brings reward, legacy, and lasting impact.
When we obey as parents, we allow God’s greater plan to take centre stage in our children’s lives (and their children).
Prayer
Dear God, thank You for the examples of parents in Your Word. Help us to have faith in You like they did, and grant us wisdom to raise our children in accordance with Your plans and purposes for their lives. In the mighty name of Jesus, Amen.
Read: Philippians 4:9; Hebrews 12:11
Bible Reading Guide: Psalm 92; 1 Corinthians 3; 1 Chronicles 24; 1 Chronicles 25; 1 Chronicles 26:1-19