Growing Multigenerational FaithSample

Don't underestimate empowering and teaching the next generation. At times, I've questioned if I'm serving “enough”. But through teaching and encouraging my children and others in our lives, I'm making an impact far beyond what I can imagine. A simple task of getting them to places where they are nurtured in their faith and surrounded by others who encourage them to grow and to help shape character has eternal value.

My husband and I recently had a conversation about some heavy things that are being thrown at us, and we both agreed that it felt like a spiritual attack. That led to the question, “What are we accomplishing that Satan wants to stop?” The first thing that came to mind was “our kids”. They are becoming leaders and people of influence in their classes, sports, camp, and church, and are boldly sharing their faith with others. If Satan views developing strong children to lead the next generation as a threat big enough to attack us for, then raising up leaders is exactly what we need to be investing our time in.

In Deut. 31:7, Moses instructed Joshua to “be strong and courageous,” knowing the future would bring daunting tasks ahead. Joshua would need reliance on God to accomplish the difficulties ahead, as that would be the source of his strength and courage. In verse 8, he added, “do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord will personally go ahead of you. He will be with you; he will neither fail you nor abandon you”. Joshua needed to hear this, likely many times, and had learned this before taking the step to lead.

We need to equip our children to know that they are not alone in the endeavors to come, and that God goes before them and He will not fail or abandon them!

Kids don't grow up and suddenly acquire confidence and leadership skills. They need to be taught skills and given tasks that develop the confidence that is necessary as a leader. It's gradual and, ideally, starts young. Give them responsibilities at home, and praise their successes. Give them opportunities to help, serve, and teach others while they are still under our care and open to wise guidance. Then, when it's time to pass the baton of leadership, it's easy because we can trust they'll lead well! Our hope and prayer is that our kids will be better and stronger leaders than us, and that they will rely on the Lord's faithfulness better than the generation before them. As our children grow and mature, it's truly a blessing to watch our prayers be answered before our eyes.

Joel and Lorraine B. - Board, Youth Ministries

Questions to Consider

• Where are you experiencing spiritual resistance? How is it related to investing in the faith of others?
• How can you give young people opportunities to develop their faith and leadership skills?

Actions to Take

• Start praying against the evil one and the attacks on families and kids. Read Ephesians 6 and pray it back to God.
• Give a young person greater responsibility, helping them succeed and helping them learn when they fail.

Prayer to Make

Holy Spirit, open my eyes to the spiritual battles happening against families and children. Help me to stand in the gap for the next generation so they can know you and follow you. Amen.