Key Scripture:

Ecclesiastes 3:9 “What do workers gain from their toil?

Devotional:

When we think of our kids we often think of our hopes and dreams for them. Dreams that they would grow to have a good career and a healthy marriage with healthy kids of their own. We hope that they would be happy and comfortable. But focusing on our wishes for their lives isn’t what God calls us to do. He calls us to lay down all our worldly desires and follow Him. Oftentimes, the steps God is calling us to take don’t seem to make sense to us, but all He is asking for is our obedience. Only God knows what is ultimately best. This is hard for me to do with our kids. I tend to forget that they are actually God’s children first and He has chosen me to help raise and guide them in the way they should go. 

The meaning of toil is this; hard and continuous work, exhausting labor, to engage in hard and continuous work. Parenting is a labor-intensive task that requires dedication, sacrifice, and hard work. It reminds us to reflect on the significance of our efforts and recognize that even though the rewards may not always be immediate or tangible, we must remember Who’s they are! Our job is to guide and show our kids how to have a relationship with Jesus.

What we want them to gain from our toil and what God has for them to gain may not align if we aren’t careful. Pray that your will is in alignment with His. Pray that His will be done, even when we don’t understand His ways. Trust in Him because what we do know is that His way is the best way and all that we want for our kids is the best.

Questions for Reflection:

• What happens when you truly release a dream or hope to God? How mightily does he respond, every time? How might our hopes and dreams for our children be blockers to God’s power and movement in their lives?
• What are some ways that you can seek God’s will for your family?