I love stepping out of the house and into the fragrance of flowers traveling in the breeze that crosses my path. As Spring arrives each year, it has been my habit to consistently take inventory of the appearance of each new flowering plant in my front yard.
Today, while taking inventory, I saw vibrant green stems that seemed to have sprung up overnight. These stems will soon support daffodil blooms. When my children were younger, I used to draw their attention to these amazing gifts and ask, “Do you see the miracles happening in your own front yard?”
As much as I enjoy watching each beautiful flower and shrub unfold, I have limited control over the process and no control over the results. I have some control since it is my choice of whether or not to plant the seeds at the proper time, and whether or not to consistently fertilize and water them. But, the results are completely the work of the creator. Isn’t that what a miracle is—an event that can only be attributed to divine intervention?
In much the same way, parents have limited control over the process of raising their children and no control over the results. Parents have some control over whether or not to plant the seeds of God’s Word in their own minds and hearts at the proper time. Then, it is up to them to consistently nurture biblical truth in their children through encouraging personal knowledge, understanding, and application. But, the results are completely the work of God, through the power of His Holy Spirit.
In Isaiah 55:10-11 the Lord says: “As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which sent it.”
Because God’s Word is our true source of power, it is a necessary tool for successful parenting (Hebrews 4:12). Even though they may not always see immediate results, parents who consistently instill biblical truth in the lives of their children can trust that God will use it to accomplish His purpose. Isn’t that what a miracle is—an event that can only be accomplished through divine intervention?
In what ways are you attributing honor to God for the miracles He consistently performs around you? Are you asking God to perform a miracle in the life of your child (Psalm 77:14)?