There are times when parents wonder if their efforts to raise their children are working. It’s difficult to shape a person, to train him in the way he should go. It’s even more difficult when we realize w’eve been doing something wrong, and we set out to change it. Old habits can reappear. Resistance to change can be expected.
Some friends of mine have recently been taking deliberate steps to direct the course of their family toward the Lord. And, as we’ve already established, it’s hard sometimes. They’ve been faithfully at it for a while now. One of the actions being taken is the initiation of regular family devotionals. One morning not long ago, they woke in the morning and went into the living room to find their oldest on the couch, reading her Bible. And that was just the first time.
When we set out to make necessary changes in our lives, which we all have to do, we don’t always know how to go about it, and we can wonder whether or not we’re doing it right. But we do it anyway. We do it in faith that He who promised is faithful. “Those who sow in tears shall reap in joy. He who continually goes forth weeping, bearing seed for sowing, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.” (Psalm 126:5-6)