Recently, I was challenged by the younger generation in their teens. A desperate mother asked for prayer regarding the strained relationship in her family. Both parents were at the end of their patience, having exhausted all known wisdom thus far, trying to impact and direct the path of a strong-willed and non-compliant nineteen-year-old daughter. In the same week, I myself struggled with my thirteen-year-old grandson who, when challenged about his behavior became defensive, angry, and despondent.
These are troublesome times, to be sure. As parents and grandparents, we seek to protect our young from harm, instruct and correct the wayward thinking and actions of our tender but often entitled and opinionated youth.
I am reminded of my own state before conversion. The apostle Paul described well the experience in Ephesians 2: 1–3: “And you He made alive who were dead in trespasses and sins, in which you once walked according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit who now works in the sons of disobedience, among whom also we all once conducted ourselves in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind and were, by nature children of wrath, just as the others.”
We have to hold fast to God's promise in Isaiah 49:25, which says, “I will contend with him who contends with you, and I will save your children.” Then evaluate: are we proclaiming the love of God and the truth of His word in a way that is compelling, reaching the heart and soul and piercing the darkness? “ For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places" (Ephesians 6:12 ESV).
Be assured, Jesus has the victory! He has given us authority to put on the whole armor of God and stand against evil. So, we must pray and seek God on behalf of our youth, that God will save them. Our job is to love unconditionally, for that is how God loves us. We are to pray earnestly and constantly for the lives of others young and old. Ephesians 6:18 says, “praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints” (and, in my words, for all of our children and grandchildren).
I apologized to my grandson for the harsh way I spoke. He later came and gave me a hug. How sweet are forgiveness and reconciliation. But these precious moments are not often accomplished overnight. It may take years, but it will come. The promises of God are sure.
Call to Action
God keeps His promises and we must keep the faith. Pray on for our youth. It is our mandate! Getting ready requires intercession. Be faithful in prayer claiming His promises.
Unless noted otherwise, scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
