Joy Like This

III John 1:4 says I have no greater joy than this, to hear of my children walking in the truth.

As a parent, isn’t that the mark of success, to realize and see that our children are walking in the truth we’ve taught them as we raised them?  I think it is.  Our hearts are warmed when we see our kids making wise choices, serving God with all their hearts, and functioning as healthy adults.

As our father, it thrills His heart too, when we hear his Word and walk in it.  In fact, it brings him joy. 

If we have children who are not walking in the truth in which they have been trained, it hurts our hearts and we do all we can through prayer to ask the Lord to change them, enlighten them, prod them like shepherd does his sheep, back to living water and green pastures.

God is a much more loving father than we could ever be, and that too is his heart, to gently lead his children who have wandered off, back to the place where he can care for them and provide all that they need, in the safety of his leadership.

Do you have children who walk in the truth?  Give thanks, and always pray for them.  

Do you have children who have wandered away from the truth they have heard?  Give thanks for them, and always pray as well.

And enjoy the joy...