Reading through Psalm 100 recently, I was overwhelmed with the goodness of the Lord in our lives as I meditated on the final words, "His faithfulness endures to all generations." It brought to mind Stan's Grandmother, Mom Mom, and the time when she taught this Psalm to our daughter (who was probably between 2 and 3 years old) while she was visiting Mom Mom for a few days. Michele came home reciting the whole Psalm. As I recalled this, it stirred my memory about the rich spiritual heritage both Stan and I have through our parents, grandparents, and great-grandparents. How grateful we are for the examples of godly living and the prayers of those who have gone before us for not only ourselves, but for our children and grandchildren. Mom Mom was a woman of prayer and impacted many lives, including our family, through her times of doing "God's work," as she called it, before the Lord in prayer.
Perhaps you are thinking that you have not had this kind of heritage in the families you come from, but I would like to encourage you to believe that today can be the beginning of a new heritage in your home and family. As you put your faith and trust in Christ and choose to follow the Scriptures claiming, "...As for me and my house, we will serve the LORD" (Joshua 24:15). "Unless the LORD builds a house, they labor in vain that build it" (Psalm 127:1). God will be faithful to do what only He can do in your family for generations to come. "Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and your dominion endures through all generations. The LORD is faithful to all his promises and loving toward all he has made" (Psalm 145:13 NIV).
As I sat thanking the Lord for His sovereignty and grace in the lives of the generations of our families, I also contemplated the ongoing impact of our lives on the future generations as we trust Him and live out His faithfulness in our daily lives. Each of us has the opportunity to have a part in the far-reaching effect of the gospel in the lives of those God has placed in our family - our children, their spouses, our grandchildren and eventually their spouses and then great-grandchildren, and on and on until the Lord returns. It's been said that the only things we can take to heaven with us is our children.
Thinking on these blessings and promises of the past, for the present, and even the future, causes me to pray that all those whose lives we impact will know God's abundant faithfulness day by day. And that we will be found faithful and obedient, living by His grace.
What a privilege, opportunity, and responsibility is ours!!
Be encouraged and take heart, we do not have to attempt this great task by ourselves in our own strength, for "He who calls you is faithful, who also will do it" (1 Thessalonians 5:24).
Trust in Him!
DeEtta
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