Preparing OUr Kids

REFERENCE: I Chronicles 22:5, 11-13 David said, "My son Solomon is still young and inexperienced. And since the Temple to be built for the Lord must be a magnificent structure, famous and glorious throughout the world, I will begin making preparations for it now." So David collected vast amounts of building materials before his death. . . 11 "Now, my son, may the Lord be with you and give you success as you follow his directions in building the Temple of the Lord your God. 12 And may the Lord give you wisdom and understanding, that you may obey the Law of the Lord your God as you rule over Israel. 13 For you will be successful if you carefully obey the decrees and regulations that the Lord gave to Israel through Moses. Be strong and courageous; do not be afraid or lose heart!"

Observation: Just like David could not build the temple for Solomon, we can not deal with the challenges of our childrens lives for them. They have to face them - especially when they get into adulthood. We can't live their lives, but we can prepare them.

How did David prepare Solomon to face the challenges that would come up?

First, he gathered the stuff that Solomon would need. This is like the education, the training that our kids need to succeed. We can't always pay for college for them but we can help them to figure out how to make it happen. We can train them practically in how to handle money, take care of their things, or manage people effectively. We can pray with them and discuss with them where God wants them to go to college or to finish their training.

Second, David prepared Solomon in regards to his character. He taught him to obey God. He taught him how important strength and courage is. He trained him not to give up when things get hard or fear inducing.

We must do this too with our kids. Training their character is even more important than providing for them educationally or financially - and it is something every one of us as parents can do. It costs us nothing more than our time and commitment.

Like David, if we want to have children who can successful face the challenges God will put before them in their lives, we need to commit ourselves to preparing them. We can't live their lives for them but we can get them ready.

Application/Confession: It is not time again to dive in with both feet with my second "crop" of kids. My older three are moving into adulthood and I am so proud of what they are becoming.

My twins are 9 years old and my daughter Sarah asked me today for a monthly "date". It should have been asking her! With the older girls, these monthly get togethers we so valuable in training their character and generally inputting into their lives. I am thankful that I can start again, when I know better how to do it, with Sarah.

PRAYER: Thank you Lord for Rachel, Krystal and Angel. They are a gift from you and I can honestly say that they are substantially ready to face the life challenges that you will have for them.

Help me with Sarah and Sam. I want them to be prepared as well. If I am faithful and You bless them, they will be.