Our children will hear about the wonders of the Lord. His righteous acts will be told to those not yet born. They will hear about everything he has done. Psalm 22:30-31. NLT.
If someone asks me about Psalm 22, I immediately think about the prophetic description of different aspects of crucifixion. It is estimated that King David wrote this about 1000-1044 B.C. It seems the Persians, under Darius 1 are credited with its development. However, the Romans went on to perfect it and of course, it was the instrument of Jesus’ death. We can feel David’s pain as he cries out: My God , my God why have you forsaken me? Just reading of physical conditions makes my joints hurt and my mouth thirsty. But if we keep reading past the painful parts, we come to a cry of hope and victory. It is a statement of declaration and faith that we can grab hold of for our day and age.
Our children will hear about the wonders of the Lord. I stopped and paused at this statement. Our children, or as it says in the ESV our posterity will hear about the wonders of our God! And hasn’t he done wonders since David’s day?!! But one question that came to my mind, is how are they going to hear if we don’t share our experiences with them? How do they hear if we aren’t willing to risk praying those big prayers ourselves. My grandchildren have had the privilege (thanks to their parents) of reading a series called “God’s Generals for Kids” by Robert Liardon and Olly Goldenberg. This series have added to their faith and expectation of God moving in their own generation. Reading the personal stories of Aimee Simple Mcpherson, or Smith Wigglesworth has impacted their faith and trust in the Lord. Another series is called “Trailblazers”. Trailblazers also shares stories of bygone heroes of the Christian faith. They contain stories about missionaries who sacrificed their personal safety and comfort to share the gospel. People like Adironam Judson (Burma); David Brainerd (American Native Americans) and Gladys Aylward who found her way to China and changed many lives. The heroes of the faith contained in both these series encourage me to keep trusting, listening and obeying our dear Savior. If you haven’t heard of these brothers and sisters, I encourage you to check them out.
I am blessed that my adult children researched and discovered these encouraging stories. Revelation 12:11 reminds us that we overcome by the blood of the Lamb and the word of our testimony. We must release our faith and pray for this current generation. God knows his purpose and plan for them. I am so grateful that my children and grandchildren can hear of our own personal God stories, but I want more. Our God is the God of today. Sharing simple small answers to prayer helps build their faith, but only if they hear them. Keeping a God focused and expectant life is not always easy, but doable. It is worth it.
The upcoming generation is a generation that God loves. He cares about them so much that there are outpourings of his Spirit on college campuses across this nation. Young people getting saved and on fire for him. My question is are we ready and capable to help them grow and mature in his ways? Do we care enough to make ourselves available to pray for them? Or simply live an example of a man or woman of faith–in character, in word and deed? Walking in forgiveness? In this season of doubt, insecurity, and skepticism this is not a small thing.
My heart is burdened every time I hear of pastors and leaders with moral failure. I feel Satan is laughing at God’s people. But I believe in our God’s righteousness and he will rue the day he messes with this next generation. They are going to be light in their darkness, shining bright for his glory. My friends, be careful how you talk about this generation. Speak faith, not doubt. Help equip them for their part in expanding God’s kingdom. We do not want to be adding any millstones to these young people. We want to lift their load, not add to it.
Do you believe God is raising new generals and trailblazers for this generation? Then pray, seek and encourage. We have our part to play till we meet Jesus, don’t quit your race my friend no matter how hard it gets. Dig deep in him. He saved you, he knows how to work with them! I remember falling in love with Jesus so much while I was at the University of Washington I would skip classes to go to pray meetings (which were held in the psych lab with the mice!). That same Holy Spirit is working today. Let’s release our faith!!
Father, I thank you for helping us flow together with how you are moving in an through this next generation. Please give us wisdom and courage to trust you with the purpose and plan you have to help them reach their world. Forgive us for placing stumbling blocks in their way, turn them into stepping stones. In Jesus’ Name, amen.
Faith Encounters 