Four Things You Can Do to Make a Difference

“…with God all things are possible.” (Mt. 19:26)

In December 2011 security cameras in the bustling town of Wenzou, China recorded a terrifying incident. A small child throwing a tantrum pulled away from her parents, sat down in the middle of the street, and stubbornly refused to budge. Frustrated, the parents started to walk away.

Suddenly a car turned the corner, ran over the girl and ended up pinning her underneath the vehicle. Security cameras showed several people rushing to the car and lifting up one side so the girl could be freed. It was a thrilling to see strangers rush to the rescue in this high stakes event.

I know of another ‘high stakes’ event needing an urgent response—the hearts, minds and souls of our grandchildren being run over by the lies and deceptions of Satan and a godless world. Our younger generations are being crushed by a world dominated by violence, immorality, hatred, greed and godlessness. Like the parents of the child in China, we cannot risk turning our backs and walking away from the danger threatening the eternal destiny of this generation. The danger is real, and the consequences could be deadly—in more than one way.

Thankfully, we do not face these challenges alone. God’s Word promises that “His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and goodness” (2 Peter 1:3). He has not left us alone, either, but as members of His body, we have a spiritual family to help us carry the load. The task of lifting the weight of Satan’s lies off our children is too great to do by ourselves. But through the power of the Spirit, as each part does its work, we can thwart the enemy’s plans and claim the next generations for Christ.

How are you responding to the crisis of a world hostile determined to take captive the hearts of your grandchildren? Do you understand what’s at stake, or have you been lulled into complacency? Moses reminded the people to remember to “be careful, and watch yourselves closely…” Why? So you can make a difference and point your children and grandchildren to the truth.

Here are four actions steps that can make a difference:

1. Focus on your intimacy and relationship with God in Christ. Let me say it again: you cannot give what you do not have. If your relationship with Christ is dull and distant, you will not be in a position to help your grandchildren know him well. Take time to know him in prayer, worship and meditation on His Word. Ask Him to show you what it really means to know Him—really know Him. Jesus invites you to come to Him, learn from Him, and abide in Him so that you may find rest for your soul, and bear much fruit.
2. Follow Nehemiah’s example when faced with a challenging task… PRAY! (Read Nehemiah 1-4) Whenever Nehemiah was faced with a daunting challenge, the first thing he did was pray. Nehemiah knew that unless God was in it, it would fail, but if He was in it, it could not fail. If we are desirous of doing the Lord’s work, don’t you think He would have something to say about it? Ask Him to speak to you.
3. Do what God says. In other words—obey. As you listen for God’s voice and meditate on His Word, do what you know He wants you to do. As that great hymn proclaims: “Never fear, only trust and obey.” If He speaks to you about writing a note or letter, making a phone call, asking forgiveness or whatever, do not hesitate to do it.
4. Link arms with other grandparents to pray and spur one another on. Grandparents’ Day is coming in September. We are calling grandparents everywhere to make it a Grandparents’ Day of Prayer by enlisting other grandparents in your church to join you for a special time of prayer for your families. Then commit to pray together regularly. Visit our web site at www.grandparentsdayofprayer.com for free helpful resources.

Consider what’s at stake and remember that no matter how hopeless things may seem, with God all things are possible. Take time to listen… then be ready to act!