A father's care...

I' reading in the Old Testament, about the end of King David's reign. It was on his heart to build a temple for the Lord, but God told him Solomon should be the one to build the temple, because he would be a man of peace. What a monumental task that would be! David did not just forget about the project though, the Lord helped him design the blueprints for the temple, and David began to gather the materials Solomon would need. He lined up the craftsmen. He got the people behind the project and had them contribute to the work.

He did everything possible to make sure his son could be successful, he gave him the tools he would need for this mighty undertaking. He also advised and encouraged Solomon with these words.

1 Chron. 28:20  David said to his son Solomon: “Be strong and brave! Do it! Don’t be afraid and don’t panic! For the Lord God, my God, is with you. He will not leave you or abandon you before all the work for the service of the Lord’s temple is finished.

As parents, we lay the foundation for our children's success. Hopefully we give them the skills needed in every area of their life, both physical, emotional and spiritual. We advise and encourage. Then we step back and give them the Nike message: Just do it!

28:10 Realize now that the Lord has chosen you to build a temple as his sanctuary. Be strong and do it!”

If your kids are young, you are still in the equipping and training process. If your kids are grown, you are on call as an adviser and will always be praying for them. That does not mean your work is done and you can sit on a park bench and do nothing! There is always a fresh crop of baby Christians coming into the church that need to be loved and prayed for and encouraged. We are family and family takes care of each other.

Just do it!