Devotional - 98-06-27 - It's Not my Fault!

Isaiah 1:2 - "Hear, O heavens, and give ear, O earth: for the Lord hath spoken, "I have nourished and brought up children, and they have rebelled against Me."

We've all heard it (I hope none of us has ever had to say it) - "Where did I go wrong?" When teenagers run amok, and young adults go against everything that their parents have taught them, the parents usually blame - themselves.

After bringing their children before the throne of the Father. After introducing them to the love of the Lord. After teaching them right from wrong. After demonstrating to their offspring that God is the Author and Finisher of their lives.

After all of this, the children of the most Godly parents sometimes go astray. Not only do the parents blame themselves, they also sometimes come under the scrutiny of their peers.

And yet, God is the God of the second chance. If I have examined my life before my God, if He has forgiven my sins; if I have kept my balance sheet short with Him, if when I am wrong I ask even my children to forgive my shortcomings, if I have done everything right, and they go wrong, it's not my fault.

It's their fault. Sin is a choice. The choice of the person who has the decision to make. I can't make the choices for my children. I can teach them how to make good choices, but the choices they make are their's alone, right or wrong.

God understands about children going astray. He's been in the parenting business for a long time, and sometimes even His children wander off into the desert of rebellion.

Bring your children before the Lord often. Allow Him to keep them, and if they choose to wander off, He knows what to do.

"Father, I thank you for these treasures that you have allowed into my safekeeping. Guard their hearts, Lord, keep them close to You. I pray for my children. Help me to be a good parent, Lord, help me to show them what is right. I pray Lord that they would grow strong in You. Thank You Lord for trusting me with their lives. Guide me and teach me all Your ways, and I'll not fail to give You all of the glory and all of the praise. For it's in the name of Jesus that I pray. Amen

Sandi