We sat in our basement as the strong winds blew outside. Like most Americans we were homebound due to the pandemic, and now we were relegated to an even smaller part of our house due to a tornado watch. While we waited out the storm, it was as if a blaring warning siren went off in my head. “What in the world is going on, and why is all of this happening?”
I began to think about the current situation of the world right now. The US is facing high unemployment rates. The stock market is extremely volatile. As of today, over one million people have contracted Covid -19 with the numbers increasing daily. Swarms of locust have been invading the horn of Africa. These swarms are eating as much food as 35,000 people would eat in a day. Churches are now closed with no real date of reopening. From July 2019 – March 2020, the continent of Australia saw bush fires in every Australian state burning for 240 days. Weird weather patterns and flooding have occurred. Earthquakes are happening in strange places. There is tension between world leaders of major countries such as China, Russia, United States, Saudi Arabia, and Israel. I could keep going, but you get the point.
Why is all of this significant?
I began to ask myself a few questions. Would I parent differently if I thought I was parenting one of the last generations that may see the end times played out right in front of them? Would my children be able to discern the times and recognize the warnings? Could they be easily persuaded to follow a gospel that is different from what the Bible presents?”
We are at a pivotal point in history.
Matthew 24:38-39 states, “For as in those days before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day when Noah entered the ark, and they were unaware until the flood came and swept them all away, so will be the coming of the Son of Man.”
I want to encourage you to use this time of decreased activity to examine your own hearts and prepare your family for what lies ahead. Most of us couldn’t comprehend just a month ago a world on lockdown and the economic crisis that is upon us. It all happened so fast! Ephesians 5:15-16 encourages us to be wise and make use of the time we have because the days are evil.
What can you do?
- Talk to your children about the seriousness of salvation– If you need a place to begin, start by laying out the “Romans Road.” Even children as young as 5 or 6 can understand the concept of sin and need for repentance! Don’t let their walk stop with just a prayer! The Christian life is meant to be a daily laying down of self and obeying what the Lord desires for us to do!
- Memorize Scripture– It doesn’t matter if Bibles are destroyed or the Bible is changed online, scripture that is memorized cannot be stolen!
- Pray often as a family– Our six year old prays the same prayer every night, “Thank you Lord for this glorious day.” Even though it is simple, it is a starting point for him! Children learn to pray when they hear others pray. They may not understand all that is being said, but you are planting seeds that will bloom as they get older. You will be astounded one day when those short, one sentence prayers blossom into beautiful prayers of warfare and petition before the Lord!
- Raise thinkers– It is easy to simply read a passage together and then move on. However, to prepare your children for the future, teach them to question and examine what they hear! What do you think this passage means? How can you apply it to your own life? Where else do you see this pattern in the Bible? Teach them to think, question, and examine. These skills will help them survive in a time when the Bible is being distorted and simple logical ideas are being twisted
- Study end time events– My oldest son is fascinated with the book of Revelation. I don’t know how many times he has read it through. One way the past few weeks has challenged me is to begin studying it with him. Perhaps you have a son or daughter that would love to study it as well! You don’t have to know all the answers; you just have to be willing to learn.
- Make repentance a daily practice– We are living in unprecedented, unpredictable times. We must daily examine our lives and with the help of the Holy Spirit ask forgiveness and turn from sin. Don’t let a haughty attitude or sin grow in your child. Be an example by asking for forgiveness from members of your family when you fall short!
Acts 2:17 “In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams.”
While these days can seem scary, they can also be seen with excitement. For such a time as this, you and I were allowed to be born and parent! We have the opportunity to raise up a generation of fearless warriors who humbly and correctly divide the word of truth and boldly proclaim the gospel!
Lisa says
Awesome! Thanks for sharing your heart! Sure do miss all of you!
Ginna says
Sure have missed your wonderful words of truth and encouragement! This post was awesome. Well said. Thank you Lord for laying this on Kim’s heart to share with others.
Jodi Williams says
Compelling blog and profound, thought provoking statements…….thank you Kim for listening to the whispers of the Holy Spirit within your heart and sharing your thoughts and scriptures to encourage others.