#9 Having Godly Relationships, Marriages and Kids
When we asked what was wrong, she replied, “I think I want to give my life to Jesus.” We sat down to talk and asked why she appeared so shaken. We had not had a conversation about salvation in months, and I later found out the KidSpring lesson had not been on salvation at all. She said, “I was trying to play Barbies and all I could hear in my head was, ‘It’s time, Carson.’ I smiled and cried and smiled and cried. He had been so faithful to answer my prayer, and her response made it so clear to me that she had heard the voice of God for the very first time. Our youngest is just now beginning to show a developing understanding. In fact, over Christmas we were discussing
“But, Mama, we have to say ‘Yes’ when He tells us it’s time; that’s what we have to do.”
salvation…” when Campbell interrupted to say: “But, Mama, we have to say ‘Yes’ when He tells us it’s time; that’s what we have to do.” He is so faithful. Lest anyone have a deluded understanding of what life in our house is like, my kiddos beat each other up on a regular basis. They are selfish and often cry when we give away toys they haven’t played with for months. I sometimes yell and get very impatient, and we don’t read a Bible story at bedtime every night (though we should do better). It’s not like Bible school at our house every day, and I am far from the picture of the mild, soft-spoken, grabbingevery-teachable-moment mom. But here’s what I know: so far, my God has been faithful to hear my prayers and fill in the gaps where my husband and I mess it up. I am not so naïve to believe that we are free and clear of destructive choices and spiritual rebellion. We do still have the teen years in front of us. But I am convinced He has been completely faithful in my own life and that He will continue to be in theirs.
REFLECT 1) How does this story apply to your life? What did you learn about having a godly family? 2) What practical steps can you take to be a godly spouse, or raise kids in a godly manner? 3) Write a short prayer for your children and spouse, or your future spouse.
RECAP 1) God saved you. He is able to save your children and spouse as well. 2) No one is qualified for what God calls them to do. God is able; He gets the glory. 3) Praying for your family is the best thing you can do for them. 4) Scripture is powerful. It is God’s Word to us. 5) God is faithful.
READ • Ephesians 5:22–33 • Ephesians 6:1–4 • Colossians 3:18–21 • 1 Peter 3:1–2 • 2 Corinthians 6:14
a devotional that asked, “Do we have to do anything to be saved?” Of course, I dove into, “Jesus did all of the work of 31