When it comes to leading my family, I always try to ask God to help me. I need to be reminded that God is God and that I just need to be myself.
In Luke 12, we see Jesus teaching the people this same truth! God is in control, and we just need to simply be ourselves and try our best to know, love, and follow Him. God understands that we can easily start comparing ourselves with others in areas such as food, clothing, possessions, status, and even our happiness. Jesus compared us to the birds of the air and to the grass in the fields, and He states that if God provides and cares for them how much MORE will He care for and provide for us.
As a family, the next time you are around the dinner table or in the car riding to church, school, the ball field, or dance practice, I encourage you to do this fun yet profound task — a backward life timeline. Simply list out all the ways you have seen God work or do a work in your life.
For example:
5th Grade – God helped me understand that He loves me and wants a relationship with me.
3rd Grade – God introduced me to my best friend who encouraged me.
5 years old – God gave me a new brother which taught me how to be patient and kind even when it’s hard.
My prayer is that this exercise can be one that anyone in your family can do at any time in their life. I have found that it helps me when this broken world can show its brokenness and hurt. Looking back at the ways God has cared for me helps me cling to Him tighter, thank Him more, and grow my hope even more. I hope that it can do the same for you, the parents, and for your family as a whole.
Prayer: Lord, thank You for being the ultimate Provider! Thank You for knowing, in Your sovereignty, what I need even before I know I need it. Help me to trust You to take care of me. Amen.