... But He is Strong

 

Jesus loves me, this I know

For the Bible tells me so

Little ones to Him belong,

They are weak, but He is strong

 

On average, I sing that song around bazillion times a day.  My two-year-old passes her time in the car seat shouting, "Again, again," while I repeat it time and time again.  Oh, I'm not complaining... what could bring me more joy, but to see my children soak in truth?!

 

I have to ask myself, though, do I really believe those lyrics???

 

They are weak, but He is strong

Honestly... sometimes, I feel like my kids won't have a chance.  Kindergarteners are being taught the "options" they have for gender identity.  Journalists are adamant there cannot be one way.  Pornography is always just one click away.  Social media constantly picks at contentment and pushes towards covetousness.

Sometimes, I just want to move into the middle of the country, off the grid, and live off the land.  Become Amish...  Anything, anywhere away from these strong, evil influences. 

But then I read Numbers 14.  And an ancient passage beckons me to fight...  To stand firm in the faith. And lead my children into battle. 

When Moses sends twelve spies into the Promised Land, ten come back completely quivering in their boots.  Their response to the fierce enemies and fortified cities: "Our wives and our little ones will become a prey.  Would it not be better for us to go back to Egypt?"  Retreat, they cry.  Hide.  We are weak...

But Joshua and Caleb refuse to cower: "If the Lord delights in us, He will bring us into this land and give it to us... Their protection is removed from them, and the Lord is with us; do not fear them."

"And without faith, it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that He exists and that he rewards those who seek Him." Hebrews 11:6 

Sadly, because the Israelites responded to God's promise with unbelief, their children "suffered for their faithlessness" and remained in the wilderness for another 40 years.  But Joshua and Caleb, along with their descendants possessed the Promised Land (Joshua 14). 

The most loving thing I can do as a parent is not to shelter my children.  Rather, like Caleb, I can model faith for my children as we forge ahead into battle.  I can trust that, just as God has delivered me from the darkness surrounding me, He is capable of leading my children to be "in but not of this world".

I don't want to base my parenting decisions on what is "safest", for "whoever would save his life, will lose it". 

The enemy is strong, but our God is stronger.  The mountains that lie ahead of our children are high,  but Christ has already conquered them.  Believe God's goodness and power over your life and your children's, for, "He who calls you is faithful; He will surely do it." (1 Thess 5:24) 

 

Jesus loves me, this I know

For the Bible tells me so

Little ones to Him belong,

They are weak, but He is strong