Parenting by Design - May 23

Trusting God (part I)

Hab 1:5:  "Look among the nations! Observe!  Be astonished! Wonder!  Because I am doing something in your days — you would not believe if you were told" (NASU).

While this quote from God seems encouraging out of its context, the reality is God was telling Habakkuk He was about to unleash the evil Babylonians on Judah.  The Jews were about to be overrun and killed or taken into captivity and the temple was going to be destroyed as punishment for years of disobedience.

God's point is that He can do amazing works using means we cannot imagine.  In parenting, God will work through the trials you and your children face in ways that will astonish you; that "you would not believe if you were told".  This is great comfort when your kids make bad choices and the consequences seem harsh or even unbearable.  As the apostle Paul said, "Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how fathomless his ways!  …

For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things. To Him be glory forever!" (Rom 11:33, 36 NET).