10 Jul LOVE=REACH Day 28
But the love of the Lord remains forever with those who fear him. His salvation extends to the children’s children
-Psalm 103:17
In 1847, a young sixteen-year-old boy left home to run from his problems after his father died to pursue a job on the Erie and Ohio Canals. The young man knew nothing about water, much less about this rough and violent job of working on the bow of a boat. It was late at night when the young man got tangled in a rope and fell into the canal. No one was around to hear his cries for help as he plummeted into the icy waters below. Through his struggle, he discovered the rope, which caused his fall, had actually gotten caught in a crack and could be used to save his life. He worked vigilantly to climb back to the bow of the boat. Sitting alone, cold and shaken, he had a thought that God had saved his life for something greater because of his praying mother. The young man disembarked, went home, and as he approached the door of his house, he recalls hearing his mother engaged in prayer. Her words he heard clearly as she said, “God my son is away and only you know where. I ask you to preserve his health and bring him home to me.” As she ended her prayer, her son, who had just looked death in the eye in the dark, icy waters, walked through the doors and embraced his mother.
The young man in the story pursued his education and became the 20th President of the United States, William Garfield.
All month we have been discussing the importance of Loving and Reaching others. However, in the process of loving others we must not negate our first mission field is our family. We must love and reach them. They must see us living a life behind the scenes that leads them to Christ. They should hear us pray and see us read the Word of God.
Parents have a profound impact on the destiny of their children. God has given a rightful spiritual authority to parents over their lineage. Pray for children that God will guide and protect them, lead their decisions, and order their future. Your prayers for your kids are the greatest legacy you can lave them. William Garfield knew as he faced death that his mom was somewhere praying for him. Her prayers were reaching him. Your prayers will live on in your kid’s lives long after you die. Parents cannot choose Christ for their children, but they can pray their kids choose Christ. Your love for your children will fuel intercession for their destiny!
REACH
Be intentional to reach your kids and family through conversation, the way you live your life, and by praying for them!