When you become a parent, you find yourself thinking and worrying about their salvation as much as you do their safety and health. As much as I want to keep my precious daughter safe in this life, I know that her safety in this life is completely pointless if her soul isn't secure in eternity. When I look at her, I feel desperate to ensure that she comes to know God. At our last Bible Study, we were discussing determinism v. free will in light of suffering, children's salvation and unanswered prayers. It is hard for me to look at my beautiful, helpless, vulnerable daughter and know that she was born in sin and that sin condemns her to hell. I know that in a year or two, that sinful, rebellious nature will begin to manifest itself in obvious ways but right now it's hard to believe. I believe very strongly that God is sovereign and that he elects us to salvation or to eternal damnation. I also believe that we are held personally responsible for our actions and our sin. The fact that God has already elected or not elected Isabelle is both comforting and terrifying. It is incredibly hard to know that no matter what I do, my daughter may never come to know God. It's also very comforting to know that no matter what I do, she may still come to know him in spite of me. On the other hand, I believe that how I raise my daughter will have a huge impact on her life and how she comes to know God or doesn't. I know that there are parents who raise their children to be godly, but their children reject the Lord. There are also parents who raise their children to hate God, but somehow their children come to know the Lord.
I have the amazing opportunity to be instrumental in Izzy's salvation and I don't want to miss that opportunity. While this instruction was directed at fathers, I think it applies to mothers as well: Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord. (Eph 6:4). I hope that Izzy receives blessings by having parents who are part of the covenant of salvation and the church. Unfortunately, we are also sinful people who act selfishly so often. I pray that we don't do irreversible damage to our child but I take heart in knowing that she is the Lord's and that he has promised to be faithful to his covenant.
Hannah said to the priest Eli, "As surely as you live, my lord, I am the woman who stood here beside you praying to the LORD. I prayed for this child, and the LORD has granted me what I asked of him. So now I give him to the LORD. For his whole life he will be given over to the LORD." (1 Samuel 1:26). This verse resounds with me because we prayed for Izzy for a year before we conceived her and the Lord answered our prayer. It's hard to let go and just trust God with her, but she is so much better off in his hands.
Dear Father,
We are so very thankful that you have blessed us with this precious baby girl. We pray that you will choose her and bring about her salvation. Please give us wisdom and guidance to know how to raise her and how to teach her about you. Help us to create a home where she will always feel safe and loved. Help us to be godly examples for Izzy despite our sinful natures. Surround her with friends and family that can help her to grow into a godly woman who knows and loves you. Write her name on your hands and hold her close.
Amen.
