A Never Ending Inheritance
Give the Inheritance That Can’t Be Taken Away!
All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ.
Ephesians 1:3 NLT
When the nest was still full :)
Back when our nest was still full of six lively chicks and we were homeschooling, there were many days I felt utterly inadequate. I wanted so badly to cultivate a deep love of learning and create those perfect, idyllic moments of connection and fun. Looking back, we certainly did have those moments, but they were always sprinkled with a hefty dose of real, messy living.
After everyone was prayed with and tucked in, I would evaluate the day and pray: “Lord, what I want most is for our children to know You, love You, and walk in Your ways. If we miss out on money, riches, and fame—help us not miss out on You.”
The Day the Burden Shifted
Carrying the responsibility of trying to raise "perfect Christian kids" is a heavy, exhausting weight- it’s also impossible.
It’s also NOT what God expects.
But, I wanted so badly to get it right. One quiet night, as I was praying my heart, with that all familiar prayer, it seemed like God flipped on a light bulb in my brain. I instantly saw I was looking at the entire situation from the shadows. Then He clearly showed me the two lessons He wanted me to learn.
Rich, spiritual blessings are deposited in our families and hearts with every simple act of devotion and celebration. Grandma Marilyn, Papaw and our 6 “chicks”
Lesson 1: You Can’t Give What You Don’t Have
In my frantic effort to serve my family, I had been putting myself last. I was completely drained, running on empty with barely any time left for Bible reading and prayer.
I felt the Lord say to my heart: “If you really want them to know Me and grow, you have to run ahead of them. Share your love for Me in such a way that it makes them hungry and thirsty for what you have. If I’m not vibrant in your life, why would they be attracted to Me?”
It was a wake-up call. Our children don't just learn from our instructions; they watch and see what we love and what takes priority in our lives.
If we want them to drink what we’re drinking (aka Living Water), we have to be connected to Jesus in a real way- not a lip service way. Again- i’m not saying “perfect”- just authentic.
I don’t think anyone is attracted to “tired”, “worn out”, or “burned out” religion- we need a connected relationship with our Father from whom all blessings flow. (Give Matt. 11:28-30 The Message a look and you’ll be blessed)
Lesson 2: It Doesn't All Depend on You
The second lesson brought an immense wave of relief. As a stay-at-home mom with a large family, we didn't make a lot of money. Looking at our bank account, I often wrestled with a quiet ache: I didn't see any way we could leave our children a financial inheritance or support them through college the way the world said we should.
But God took me back to Ephesians 1:3.
Scripture promises that when we believe in Jesus, He gives us every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms—a wealth that can never be lost, spent, or taken away.
The pressure broke off me. (I could really do a happy dance here!) I once again realized my job wasn't to manufacture their faith or secure their earthly wealth.
As a mom- my job- calling- my purpose- was simply to share my love for Him, live it out authentically, and point them to the True Source of Life.
God has given us every spiritual blessing - thanks to Ashin K Surish at Upsplash Photo
An Unshakeable Legacy
If you are parenting or grandparenting from a place of exhaustion today, feeling personal strength is entirely inadequate, PAUSE- BREATHE- and then ask God to fill you again.
Be encouraged! You don't have to leave them a fortune to leave your children rich. (Prov. 23:5 reminds us money can disappear in a flash)
This week- choose this one idea: Run ahead. Go deeper with the Lord. Drink deeply from the Well. Live your love for God out loud, and trust that the same Creator who sustains you is ready to pour an everlasting inheritance directly into your children and grandchildren.
Connecting Generations ~ Creating Legacy
Praying for a generational spillover of His grace, Cindy