It can be so easy to get into a simple rhythm of devotions, without really digging in to the Word or truly communing with the Lord. For mothers, it's even more difficult; because they've got those little ones that they're responsible for, to teach them in the way they should go.
Sometimes it helps to hear how other mothers do things to teach and strengthen their children in the Lord. We pray this mother’s testimony will be an encouragement to you.
Something special happened about a month back during our morning devotions. I’ve shared it with a few friends but it keeps coming on my heart during the days. I just wonder how it would bless others hearts if they knew.. So that is why I feel to share.
Devotions at our home are priceless. We don’t just sit down and read a bit and then kneel with a long list of to-do’s for the Lord. Devotions are fun! Exciting! My children and I most times end up talking about the Lord, His Word, And The Message for close to a hour. But that is what binds us together and gets us through these hard times today.
One morning all my children were siting in their seats waiting for me. I sat down and without thinking much asked each one of them to tell me their favorite story in the Bible that was so awesome! Almost impossible it’s packed with such miracles. I didn’t really know where I was headed with this…I just went.
My 8 year old gave her response, then my 4 year old, and I waited anxiously for my 12 year old. I thought this is going to be good. He’s older and for 12 really digs into the Word. Sometimes he knows more than I do!
Well He said..“I think when Peter walked on the water to Jesus.”
Well that wasn’t what I was expecting. That story just didn’t seem to be quite what I was expecting just because maybe it’s a ’common“ story. Well God saw my thoughts instantly and I felt convicted in my heart and I stopped. I sat there thinking of the depth of that story and WOW the Holy Spirit came in like a flood! I quickly looked at all my children and asked them why Peter started after Jesus. Their reply..”because he was afraid of the storm. They were going to die and sink." I said ok! So Peter ran to Jesus?!
Then I asked what happened that made Peter start to sink? Their reply…“Because he stopped and paid attention to what was going on right around him. He didn’t keep his eyes and faith on Jesus.”
WOW! I told my kids how amazing that was! I said Kids!!! You could apply that story to every fraction of your life! If you pay attention to all the ugly symptoms around you in life you will sink. We HAVE to keep our eyes on Jesus and run to Him! Run for our life!
Maybe this was just for us, but it was such a blessing I had to share. I know there are moms out there that struggle with devotions and teaching their kids as good as they want to in their hearts. All you got to do is take time for the Lord and make devotions such a personal time with your little ones and Our Lord. It will be awesome!
Now, if the picture of a ship will impress boys to become Navy men, sailors of the sea, what ought the picture of the Lord Jesus Christ do? See? Always have the right thing before your children. "Bring up a child in the way that it should go." See? Bring it up and teach it right. It'll certainly, won't depart from it. 56-1002E