Trusting God For Family

Train up a child in the way he should go, And when he is old he will not depart from it.

Proverbs 22:6

The line of kings of Judah from Rehoboam to Jehoram represented five generations of fathers and sons: Rehoboam (bad), Abijah (bad), Asa (good), Jehoshaphat (good), and Joram (bad). Bad fathers produced both bad and good sons, and good fathers produced both good and bad sons. Where is the predictability?

There are no guarantees when it comes to family. True, Proverbs 22:6 says to invest in our children so they become wise adults. But the book of Proverbs contains guidelines, not promises. Sometimes, good parents (like King David) produce bad sons (like Absalom) who bring shame to their fathers. David might have wondered if the line of promise was going to fizzle out with his sons, given their character. But the grace of God was at work in David’s son, Solomon; and the Messiah appeared right on schedule (Matthew 1:1–16; Luke 3:23–38). Salvation came to the earth through human families just like yours. Even our familial flaws can’t keep God’s purposes from being accomplished!

Take a moment to thank God that His purposes don’t depend on your perfection as a parent or child, but on His faithfulness.