Each week we share the reflections of one of our partners in the form of a devotional. This week’s devotional was written by Karma Cunningham.
The Word:
“Just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we would be holy and blameless before Him. In love, He predestined us to adoption as sons through Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the kind intention of His will.” Ephesians 1: 4-5 (NASB)
The Story:
Almost thirty years ago, I was young, unmarried, and pregnant with my first child. As I looked at my newborn son, I believed that his future was in my hands. Years later, I gave birth to my daughter. My life was consumed with their well-being. Recently, I reflected on the unfulfilled dreams I had envisioned for their lives and I felt like a failure. I thought, “An apple doesn’t fall far from its tree” and “you can tell the type of tree by the fruit it bears.” There were goals I intended for them that have yet to be reached, and at times, they have behaved in ways that did not make me feel proud. Of late, my son came to me professing his love and commitment for God. He declared that the Lord knew him even before the foundation of the earth! In that moment, my son confidently knew, and I was reminded, he was created for God’s purpose.
The Reflection:
How can we demonstrate our trust in God and not the worldly goals and expectations we have for our children as parents? How are we instilling the truth of God’s word into our children’s hearts? What can we do to be examples of godly living for our children?
The Application:
This week, let us embrace God’s truth that our children came through us yet they belong to God. He has a unique and specific purpose for their lives and it’s our job to trust God and not to interfere.
The Prayer:
Father God, thank You for entrusting us with Your precious gifts of life. Help us to take comfort in knowing that Your divine plan for our lives has purpose and is mightier than anything we could ever imagine. Amen.
