The (X)perience Factor

Once again, late yesterday afternoon, not sure exactly what todays #youthPastorWednesday post would look like, I asked God for help.

Off and on throughout the day, I was reflecting on my life and decisions I've made. Previous employment situations. Previous relationships. Previous struggles.

They got me thinking about the times and conversations I've had with my dad and the handful of things we wished we had done differently when I was younger.

Reflecting on my own faults and how they influence, not just my life, but now, the lives of my kids and it occurred to me...

As a parent, sometimes you never know what experience will stick with a kid, whether it will lay a foundation for a good life discipline or it will be a point of struggle; that while it may not hinder their life per see, it may on occasion bother them to the point of regret. But then again... it very well could be a stumbling block which may require God working in their lives to overcome.

I'm certain Pastors feel similarly... just consider those in ministry whose children aren't serving the Lord, let alone have an active faith and/or are involved in the church. To add another layer, consider the outlet a kid chooses to work through the impact of their parents experience, whether positive or negative. (warning: that consideration is gonna be uncomfortable in 5...4..3..2..)

Something new to pray over regarding kids. And the pastors of my kids. And parents for that matter, starting with me, if I may.

Pray this #youthPastorWednesday for the grace of God to bring stability to their understanding of the events and experiences they witness in the lives of their parents and pastors. Pray, as God works in us, they witness beliefs, words and actions that will lay a solid foundation rather than unstable steps of struggle. Pray that any generational curses that exist will be broken and that any attempts by the enemy to create new ones will falter. Pray a hedge protection over the hearts and minds of kids, that an early age, they would develop a faith that remains focused on God, regardless of the faults of man, whether it be in the lives of parents, pastors, teachers or friends.

A generation of young people whose hearts are set on the things of God. Not allowing the negative impact of what they've witnessed define who they are or what they will become. May they grow in the grace and knowledge of Christ

Foundations for His glory. Stumbling blocks turned stepping stones, for the cause of Jesus Christ.

-PNC

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