Parenting Points
We have a God who is always at work, yet we and our families are often too busy and distracted to notice how He is working. Seeing God’s work strengthens our faith, deepens our trust, and increases our desire to join God in His work. What could it look like to take time to notice, engage in, and celebrate God’s work in and through your family?
Eyes to See. “God is always doing 10,000 things in your life, and you may be aware of three of them,” wrote Pastor John Piper. If we could begin to see the world through God’s perspective, we would be amazed at how God sustains, strengthens, leads, and guides us and our children faithfully through every moment of the day. Having eyes to see begins by praying and seeking God to give you and your family the strength to slow down and see the world through His eyes.
Faith to Engage. Often, we put a lot of pressure on serving God and ministering to others. We think serving God is for ministry professionals rather than everyday people like us. But it is much simpler than that. Henry Blackaby wrote in his classic book Experiencing God, “Look to see where God is working and join Him.” As we pray for eyes to see, our next prayer is for faith to engage.
Plan to Remember. Once we have seen God’s hand at work and joined him in that work, it is easy for us to forget about what happened as we continue through the endless to-do lists that fill most of our days. Remembering will likely require a plan, which could be anything from writing in a journal or simply making a note on your phone. Taking time to record and remember God’s work will serve as a good source of encouragement to you in the future.
Passion to Share. What if one of the questions you asked your family at dinner was, “Do you have any God stories from today?” Imagine how encouraging it could be to hear how God was at work in and through each family member. Think about the opportunity to disciple your kids as they hear about how God works in and through your life. That simple question could change everything.
God is at work. Will you slow down to notice? Will you join Him in what He is doing? If you do, it could transform you and your family’s year ahead.
-Dr. Ben Birdsong
Director of European Expansion for First Priority Global Ministries
