NORTH STREET – My journey into motherhood started with the words, “You’re going
to have a baby.” The joy and excitement of that moment and of that time in my life, did not allow me to think of motherhood as a lifelong adventure.
Now my children are in their 40’s and as I look back on almost 50 years of motherhood I can see how God was faithful to me, and is still faithful, as I claim His promises for their life and continually pray for them.
Promise: He will direct your path. “In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your path.” Proverbs 3:6
There was so much I did not know as a mom. I prayed many times for God to help me know what to do and He never failed me.
Promise: My children would know God. “Train up a child in the way he should go. When he is old he will not depart from it”, Proverbs 22:6.
It is my ‘job’ to teach my children about God. Our home was the ‘soil’ that helped them to grow. Being a Christian example in my home was vital to their knowing God. Taking them to church was one of the best ways for them to be educated in God’s Word and living the Christian life.
Promise: He will complete His work in my children’s life. “Being confident of this one thing, He who began a good work in you will complete it…” Philippians 1:6.
Especially during their difficult teen years, this promise was my daily prayer.
The prayer I claim for their life is Colossians 1:9-10 “…we…do not cease to pray for you, and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; that you may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him; being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God, strengthened with all might, according to His glorious power, for all patience and longsuffering with joy.”
I am now claiming promises and praying for my grandchildren because I know God is faithful and will do the same for them. I pray you will invite God to help you raise your children to know Him. Claiming promises for them and praying scripture can be a lifeline to help you do that.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Phyllis Harbaugh is the wife of a retired pastor with three married daughters and six grandchildren.