Wonderful Devotion from My Professor

As we study the last chapter on children, let's think about how they have developed. Certainly children are a gift from God. They embody our dreams and desires. As a parent, the main focus is allowing our child to mature and develop in every possible way. Luke 1:80 tells us that "the child grew and became strong in spirit." Of course, he is speaking of John the Baptist. However, isn't it equally important to teach our children the spiritual truths of Scripture? As you parent and grandparent the young ones in your life, pray that the Lord show you how to influence their spiritual growth. How can you teach through example and words the truths of God?

How often do we do this? We ask for deliverance from something, we are thankful for the deliverance, but then as we walk through the hard parts of actually being delivered, the flesh begins to cry out in opposition. We start drifting backwards in our spirits to that place that was familiar, instead of walking obediently towards where God wants to take us.

I don't want to look backwards or give into the comforts my flesh craves. I want to push forward, straining for the prize God has for me. I want to seek Him with all my heart – no matter where that takes me. I want to live in that sometimes uncomfortable place of walking in total obedience. When the rain comes pouring down, I want to choose to dance in the puddles instead of longing for the shelter of past sunny days.

Dear Lord, I want to focus on Your plan and not my comfort level when things get hard. I want to live a life that seeks You instead of a life spent looking backwards. Help me to thank You in all circumstances and to trust completely in You. I know that I have strayed, that I have tried to handle everything going on in my life myself rather than relying on you. Please send help to lead me back to you...