Today’s Reading: Judges 14
His father and mother had no idea that God was behind Samson’s attraction
to a young Philistine girl. His parents very “properly” opposed Samson’s marriage to this
Pagan woman. "Aw
come on, Samson, there are plenty of beautiful Israeli girls around here, why
do you have to go down and fall in love with a Philistine?" But
the Scriptures tell us that God was in it and Samson’s parents had no clue. The Lord had an agenda to achieve and He
would use Samson’s marriage to this Philistine girl to further His plan.
It is not unusual for God to leave parents
“out of the loop” when He begins to move in their children’s lives. And sometimes the child’s actions may seem
“improper” to the parents when they don’t recognize the hand of God in the
situation.
I know someone who was raised in a “proper”
church setting. Her parents were devoted church-goers and they always attended
the same denominational church. They were
heavily involved in the life of their church – volunteering for many ministries
and participating in virtually every church activity. When their (now 18-year old) daughter came
home and told them she was now attending another church in a nearby city, they
were shocked and dismayed. They had no idea that God was behind this. It all seemed so “improper” to them.
Especially because this church was new in town and didn’t follow all of the
prescribed doctrines and practices of their denomination. They did their best
to discourage this change in their daughter’s life, but God was up to something
and they just couldn’t see it.
As their daughter attended this new church,
her life changed dramatically as the Holy Spirit began a new work in her life.
She was “born again” after accepting Christ (a practice her parents’ church
frowned on). She began to study the
Scriptures. She got involved in
ministry. And she got to be part of what
we now call “the Jesus movement” – one of the greatest moves of God in our
generation. God was behind this girl’s decision to “change venues.” But her parents had no idea. So stuck in
their “proper” ways, they failed to see the handiwork of God right before their
eyes.
Parents, it is indeed your job to raise your
child in the ways of the Lord and to protect them from being led astray. But
don’t put God in a box and falsely believe that He will always work the “proper”
way you’re used to. Sometimes He does new things – in a new way. It may just be
His plan to keep you “out of the loop” as He begins an amazing work in your
child. So, if you’re a parent - engage
in prayer asking for God’s discernment.
You may just find that God is on the move. And if you’re the child – don’t be afraid to
move in the direction God is leading, even if your parents may find it
improper. Just be sure you are following
the leading of the Spirit of God.
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