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We continued our journey towards your dedication by praying for something unusual: Courage. For some reason, our society deems courage much differently than in years past. However, all parents would agree that there must be an element of courage when raising children, as there is so much "out there" that can destroy or steal a child's innocence. At this point, many parents may observe the world/society and be scared of what their child must encounter, which can dictate a spirit of fear in parents, as well as form the theology of how they raise their child. This is why Tonya and I began praying not just for courage in raising our young one, but a spirit of engagement, grace and joy and that counters the fear that can render many families, even Godly ones, to cower and withdraw from society. The Bible is filled with countless verses for believers, verses that should not just encourage, but renew vitatity in a parent. Paul writes to the Romans that because of Christ dying for our sin, the Gospel ("Good News") is the very power of God (literally "dynamite") that completely alters family dynamics: "For i am not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God unto salvation..." (Romans 1:16). Families and parents should no longer fear the world or a hedonistic society, but instead, cling to the power of almighty God with extreme delight and boldness. We prayed that God would see our hearts, our hard work, and as we teach the Word to you, God would bless us with boldness and courage to face the unknown, "because God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love and self control" (2 Timothy 1:7).
To our child, we did not pray for your education, your friends or even what sport you would play. No my precious one. We began to pray that as we walk "through the valley of the shadow of death, we (your parents) would fear no evil because GOD is with us. His rod and staff, they will comfort us" (Psalm 23: 4).
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