Interconnected: RelationshipsSample

Parental Solicitude

I remember as a kid growing up, the local television station used to run a public service announcement each night at 11pm. The broadcast stated, “It’s 11pm. Do you know where your children are?” From my perspective as a young child, I always thought it to be very strange that parents wouldn’t know where their own children were. Yet now, years later, as a parent who has raised three kids, I totally understand the purpose of the question and seriousness of the subject.

Today’s passage of Scripture introduces us to Saul, whose dad gave him the responsibility of finding lost donkeys. In the process of this search, he wandered far from home, but not far from the concern and attention of his dad. Saul is away from his homeland, seemingly disconnected, distanced from family. Nevertheless, the good news is that God set aside a special purpose for this young man, and Saul would soon find himself anointed and appointed by God to lead a great nation. So, what’s the point for you and me?

If you’re a parent, there may be times in life where you wonder where your kids are, and if they’ll ever become who you hoped they would. Will the relationship they have with you and God ever be all that it could be? I want to remind you and encourage you with the knowledge that God has a plan! And He often works in ways we cannot see or fully comprehend until much later.

So maybe you aren’t a parent, and the lesson in the story for you is a different one. Maybe you simply need to be reminded that God is in the details, even when He seems mysteriously absent. Are you far from home, or even far from God? He’s at work, willing and wanting to reconnect with you.

Are you trusting in God’s plan? Pray for your children . . . and trust God!

DIG: What happened along Saul’s journey that prepared him for his anointing as king?
DISCOVER: As a parent, do you find yourself wondering what will happen with your children in the future? What do you do about it? Do you rely on God or try to control your child?
DISPLAY: Parents, sit with your kids today and find out where they are in their walk and journey with God. If you’re not a parent, sit with your Heavenly Father and ask Him where He wants to take you.