God-Confident Kids By Cyndie Claypool De NeveSample

Day Seven

Plans for Hope

Scripture: Jeremiah 29:11

We started this week’s devotional looking at the discouraging facts of our kids’ generation such as the prevalence of depression and suicide. We then looked at ways we as parents might try to compensate for the wounds the world inflicts on our kids—and how we inadvertently build up their confidence in self rather than in God.

The solution for both too little confidence and too much confidence is the same: to teach our children God-confidence. Help them stand on the firm foundation that God loves them profoundly. Our heavenly Father craves a relationship with us. He wants to spend time with us. He loves it when we praise Him for His attributes and characteristics and spend time meditating and pondering on Him and His Word. He has a deep desire for each of us to fulfill the purpose for which He created us. Don’t you want to know that purpose? Don’t you want the children you influence to know that purpose? Jeremiah 29:11 says that God knows the plans He has for us, “plans to give you hope and a future.” Let’s help the next generation discover those plans. 

When we accept God’s unique purpose and plan for us, then we open our hearts to be happy for others’ successes. We stop comparing ourselves to others. We can truly “rejoice with those who rejoice” (Romans 12:15). Standing on the truth of God- confidence not only allows us to pursue the unique plans God has for us but also to help others pursue the plans He has for others.

Imagine with me the impact of a generation of children and teens who are God-confident, looking to Christ for their joy, strength, wisdom, and purpose. They would grow into adults who positively impact the world of business, politics, media, education, science, medicine, or whatever purpose God has designed for each of them. When humbly standing on the rock of their faith, Christ’s grace, love, and compassion would pour forth from each one, becoming a salve to our hurting world and helping them find their purpose and confidence in Christ. 

Lord, you know my fears and questions about parenting in today’s world. But I don’t want to parent out of fear. I want to parent out of faith in You and Your purpose for [your child’s name]. Help us to live out true confidence in You. Amen.