Keep Our Focus on the Truth

When we are serving in ministry, it can become all too easy to begin focusing on what we think, on what we have done, and on what we are currently doing. For example, when a parent or grandparent asks us how they can pass faith to their children/grandchildren, it is all too easy to give our own opinions, or to tell about things we have done or are doing. When a child asks us for help with a situation they are facing, once again, it can be all too easy for us to talk about what we think or have done.

Now, don't get me wrong. It is not bad to share about things we have done or to tell what we think, but, God's Word is the Truth; it is where we need to turn for answers in our lives and for answers to those who ask us for help. We need to turn first of all to God's Word for answers, because we want our answers to be sound and there is nothing more sound than God's Word.

So, what does God's Word say? Of course it tells us many things, but a few verses which I have found to be extremely helpful are . . . 

• Jeremiah 29:11-14a - "11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. 12 Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. 13 You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. 14 I will be found by you,” declares the Lord.
• Isaiah 26:3,4 - " 3 You will keep in perfect peace  those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you. 4 Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord, the Lord himself, is the Rock eternal."
• Psalm 100:5 - "For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations."
• Psalm 117:2 - "For great is his love toward us, and the faithfulness of the Lord endures forever. Praise the Lord."
• Isaiah 43:1-5a - "But now, this is what the Lord says—he who created you, Jacob, he who formed you, Israel: “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you;
   I have summoned you by name; you are mine. 
   When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.
   For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior; 
   Since you are precious and honored in my sight, and because I love you,
  
  Do not be afraid, for I am with you."

Clearly God's Word says much more than these verses, but they are some which I find to be very helpful when talking with others about who God is and what He wants us to know. And, when people turn to us with questions and/or for help with their children/grandchildren, God's Word needs to be the first place we turn. 

Yes, it can be helpful to share from our own experiences as parents and/or grandparents and to share information and resources which we have found to be helpful, but our focus needs to be on God's Word. It needs to be on what He has to say, so remind yourself - and those who serve with you in ministry, to keep your focus on the Truth - upon God's Word!