Prepared Not Scared

Paul said, "But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God~ having a form or godliness but denying its power...."  (2 Timothy 3:1-5) Now there is some "feel-good" bedtime reading! :)    If you turn on the news or pick up a newspaper this is the headline!  

How can parents prepare kids for the events that are unfolding in the world~ so they would  be prepared, not scared.  As we look at what is happening around the globe, we can see the stage getting set up for the greatest revival and God's judgments to be released on the earth.  Jesus spoke many times throughout the Gospels about being prepared; alert; aware; on guard to the signs of the times.  And the Bible has 150 chapters that speak of the end times, so Jesus has given us signposts to look for as to the season of His return~ the Great & Terrible Day of the Lord.  

How do we prepare our children for what is happening on the earth?  This is an exciting time to be alive!  I believe the Disciples are looking over the banister in Heaven with a zeal as to this young generation living in these days.  Let us be stirred to be pro-active to respond rightly in this season. 

I'm going to highlight 4 ideas:

1) Secure home environment ~ This is essential to keep your children feeling safe (in any circumstance).  It is crucial in this hour to have stability in the home & a peaceful place to land. Parents it is important to provide a foundation of security to your kids~ when there is such upheaval all around.  Chaos causes stress and instability. Routine, structure, and traditions all provide security. 

2) God's the One who gives you comfort~ Help your children find comfort in Jesus.  Remind them that Jesus is their comfort, not the world or their friends.  Keep pointing them back to Jesus.  Parents, you can model this:  When you are needing comfort, lean into Jesus and tell your kids.  Let them know that He is your anchor; your Refuge; Your comforter.  In days of uncertainty or crisis, what has been imparted to your kids will come out in their behavior and attitude.  

• A great example of this from the Bible is Daniel.  In the first chapter we read that Daniel (and many others) were taken into captivity.  He was between 14-17 years of age when he was plucked from his family, culture, environment and taken into slavery.  His parents must've trained him and imparted God's Truth into his young heart, because he remained true to God and His laws, rather than subject himself to the gods of Babylon.  God was His comfort.  God was His refuge and His anchor.  You can read his story in Daniel 1.

3) Have family Bible reading daily~ This helps provide security in the home and it helps kids to see that God has first place in the home.  (Children watch what you do not only what you say, so it is important that your behavior lines up with what you are saying.  Do your actions confirm your words?).   2 Timothy 3:15 says, "...from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures..."  Paul is affirming in Timothy that he knows God's Word, these words of life that bring truth and wisdom for living.  Set time aside for this as a family.  It only needs to be 15 minutes or so but it shows the weight that the Word has in your life.  

• Engage your children in conversation about how they see God working in their world
• Praying together binds a family together
• Keep a journal of your family's faith history (this builds trust with God~ showing His faithfulness to your life)

4) Talk to your kids about what is happening~ Of course the depth of these conversations are based on the age of your children.  As you watch the news or read something on-line or in the paper, use it to launch discussions and/or pray for the people/events/circumstances.  We do not want to be ignorant of what is happening in the world, but at the same time what we hear & see is not to cause our hearts to be full of fear or anxiety.  Instead we are to be partnering with the Lord in prayer and intercession, standing with His plan for mankind.  

With older children and teens, there are great resources for them to read about those who have given it all for their faith in Christ:

• The Jesus Freaks devotional book series ("it's a wake up call to prayer and to lives of unashamed faith, offering stories of martyrs past and present")   
• HIstory Makers website (stories of martyrs) 

I'd love to hear from you:
How do you talk about world events with your children?  
What resources do you find helpful? 

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