“’The word of the Lord you have spoken is good,’ Hezekiah replied. For he thought, ‘There will be peace and security in my lifetime’” (Isaiah 39:8).
Every time I read this verse I think, “how selfish!” Then I look at myself and wonder, am I selfish, too? I have to admit I am. Isaiah had told Hezekiah his descendants would be taken away to Babylon as captives! How could Hezekiah think that was good?
When I think about my children and grandchildren I don’t want bad things to happen to them now or in the future. I want them to live in freedom and in the truth of God’s Word. So, what is a grandparent to do? I don’t think most grandparents settle for “peace and security in my lifetime” without wanting the same for their grandchildren. We can’t control the future, but we can trust the One who does. So I try to be a link to help them stay connected to God.
Here are things I do to plant seeds of blessings in the lives of my grandchildren:
- Pray for them-often-and by name. Pray for their decisions, safety, and faithfulness.
- Write notes and letters-use pen and paper! Text messages and email are good, too. But what person refuses a handwritten note in the mailbox?
- Recognize their achievements with cards, notes, and my presence when possible.
- Make phone calls-Skype or video chat. I need to do this more often.
- Trust God to work in their lives. This is the hard part sometimes.
Those of you who are grandparents probably have more ideas. I don’t live in the same state as my grandchildren so I would welcome any ideas you have to stay connected to faraway grandchildren.
I don’t know if Hezekiah prepared his children and grandchildren for what was to come. But I pray I will be a faithful example in showing my grandchildren that no matter what we face, we can face it with God.
God said through Isaiah, “I have chosen you and have not rejected you. So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand” (Isaiah 41:9c-10).
This post, of all your posts, hits me right in the heart today just when I really needed it. Thanks be to God! He has chosen me? Oh my goodness… He will uphold me with His Right Hand? Oh my goodness… Such information takes my breath away and brings tears of great humility to my eyes. And we keep living out our lives in front of our grands…and perhaps that is the greatest testimony of God’s Grace and Mercy…as we write notes and keep in touch with them and listen and love them. Lord, Lord, Lord…