BEING A CHRISTIAN GRANDPARENT IN A BROKEN WORLD

Christian Grandparents face a heart-rending dilemma in a society that is indicative of the days of Noah, the days of Sodom & Gomorrah, and the days when Isaiah the prophet warned Israel.  None listened when they were warned.  Thus judgment came.  The first society was destroyed by a flood, the second by fire and brimstone, and the latter was carried into captivity to Babylon for seventy years. Always God was long-suffering and patient with his people. Always He kept a remnant of the righteous.

Today, our grandchildren are born into a country whose moral climate has all but dissolved:  Society turns their heads when abortions occur and children in the womb are murdered; our president and lawmakers applaud homosexuality; living together and frequent divorce are the norm; murder and abuse are on the rise; and self-centeredness abounds. Years and years ago an apostle named Timothy explained what would happen in the last days. . .

1This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. ² For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, ³ Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, ⁴ Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;⁵ Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. 2 Timothy 3:1-5 KJV

Does anyone else think we may be living in that day?  Perhaps.  But let’s get back to the main theme of this blog: Being a Christian grandparent in a broken world.  How can we grandparent our grandchildren when they are bombarded daily by a permissive, self-centered society?

PRAYER:  The main way you can make a difference is by praying for them daily.  I encourage you to be specific and not general in your prayers.  Instead, tell God exactly what you want Him to do for your grandchild. 

Examples: Pray that God would . . .

      -put a hedge of protection around them.

      -order their steps.

-cause them to know Him as their Lord & Savior and have a personal relationship with Him.

                  -raise up a godly mate for them.

                  -fulfill His purpose for their life in them.

                 - guide them in their careers and ministries.

In addition, as they grow, pray for the different circumstances in their daily lives—those things that have to do with developing character, family dynamics, friendships, and school activities.

Begin Early:  Remember, it is never too early to be praying.  Begin at the moment you know they are on their way.  You can pray for the child to be a godly individual who will love the Lord with all their heart.  You can pray that they will be perfectly formed, and that mother and child will have a safe and easy delivery.

PRAY GOD’S WORD OVER THEM:  We are told in Isaiah that the Word will not return to us void, but will do what God wants it to do:  ¹¹ So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it. Isaiah 55:11 NKJV

I pray that (grandchild’s name) will not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of their mind, that they may prove what is good and acceptable and perfect will of God.  Romans 12:2 NKJV

For I know the thoughts that I think toward (grandchild’s name) says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a hope and a future.  Jeremiah 29:11

I pray that (grandchild’s name) will obey their parents in all things, for this is well pleasing to the Lord. Colossians 3:20 NKJV

You can also pray for the parents. . .

I pray that (parents of grandchildren) will not provoke their children, lest they become discouraged.  Colossians 3:21 NKJV

I ask that (children/grandchildren) may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding.  Colossians 1:9b NKJV

The possibilities are as limitless as the Scriptures.  Every subject is covered.

PRAY FOR AMERICA:

If we really want to change our society, our nation, then we need to begin praying for our country, our nation’s leaders, and America’s peoples.

Pray that. . .

 -the Holy Spirit would be drawing our leaders and that they might know Jesus as Lord.

-the Holy Spirit would nudge lawmakers to read the Bible if for no other reason then history, and that the Holy Spirit would draw them.

-our leaders would make decisions for peace and not from selfish ambition or fear.

-angels would walk among us, surround our borders, and form a dome of protection over us.

-we Christians would fan the light within us and it would burst into a flame of passion for God and our enthusiasm would ignite unbelievers.

 

And pray God’s Word. . .

if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land. 2 Chronicles 7:14 NIV

IN CLOSING

Do not lose hope.  God knows the desires of your heart.  It is possible to be a Christian Grandparent in a broken world.  The secret is staying in the heart and will of God—with HIM all things are possible.  Next week, we will discuss another way to be a Christian Grandparent.  Until then, may God bless your grandparenting.