God Is ForeverSampel

Family is fleeting, but GOD is forever 

Pastor Mark Jeske, the original Time of Grace pastor, once told me that I needed to be intentional about parenting in the early teenage years. If memory serves, he said, “Mike, you think you have until they’re 18, but you don’t. Soon they’ll have jobs, friends, and so much going on that you’ll barely see them.” Pastor Mark encouraged me to make the most of the time I have with my pre-job, pre-car, pre-phone daughters.

Essentially, his words are a reminder of a larger truth—family is fleeting. Some of us want kids but can’t find someone to have kids with. Others find that someone but struggle to conceive. Those who are blessed with babies learn, just like everyone says, that “they grow up so fast.” One day you’re packing a diaper bag; the next you’re unpacking at their first apartment. 

This, by contrast, is why I adore GOD. The eternal GOD is the Father of the family that endures forever. Through the death and resurrection of Jesus, we have been gifted a perfect Father, a protective big brother (Jesus), and countless siblings in Christ. In fact, no matter what your biological family life is like, Jesus taught you to pray, “Our Father . . .” (Matthew 6:9), a reminder that your spiritual family is forever.

Earthly families, even the best ones, are temporary. Thank GOD that our Father in heaven is eternal.