Nurturing Great Kidsنموونە

It’s Up to the Lord

Our children need to know that the Lord will do what he wants to do. He is almighty. He is sovereign. Proverbs 21:30 tells us that no plan of ours will succeed against God—even if we think we are right and he is wrong, even if we don’t understand his motives.

We don’t always fully grasp this thought because we cannot reconcile the bad things that happen with our knowledge that God is good. We want to ask why. It’s worth noting that after all of Job’s trials and even with the lessons God taught him about life, God never told him why he was suffering. It’s enough to say that God doesn’t have to answer to us or explain anything.

As you accept this eternal principle, you must also teach it to your children. They will work to understand these concepts as they mature and grow, but you can assist them in the process by setting the example of complete submission to God. You will sometimes have to say, “I can’t explain that.” What you do know and can explain is that the will of god will always prevail. We can pray to him for understanding and guidance through all the “what ifs” and “whys” of life.

But in the end, his way is not our way. Accepting this truth will be to the benefit of your family.

Parenting Principle

God is God and I am not!

Points to Ponder

What examples of submission to God do your children see in your life?

What plan have you created that you now see was not necessarily God’s plan?

How can you learn to accept God’s plan more readily in the future and to teach your children this skill?