If there is something parents worry about often, it is their children’s future. There are many uncertain areas of every child’s years to come that have us up at night at times. We do have an example in Scripture of how to trust God with our child’s future from Abraham. And we have something we can do instead of worrying about them.

When people think of their children’s future there are several areas that are uncertain. One may be where they will go to college or if they go at all. Teens are bombarded today with the feeling of needing to go to college, but as we know, it is not for everyone. Even if they do decide to go, where they go seems like a daunting choice.

We can worry about our children’s future economic state. Will they be able to make enough to support a family? Will the housing market be in a place where they don’t have an affordable place to live? Will they have the same opportunities as someone like me did?

Then we can spend time thinking about relationships. Will they be able to find a christian spouse? Will they make good adult friends who will be a great support group to them?

All of these concerns and many more are valid. To want the best for your children’s future is not sinful in and of itself. In fact, I would commend it. The question isn’t do we have concerns, but how do we respond to them?

Abraham’s Story

Let’s think about the story of Abraham when God calls him to sacrifice his son Isaac in Genesis 22. God not only promised Abraham a son, but a lineage. God had previously told Abraham that Isaac would be that name bearer saying in Genesis 21:12 “For through Isaac shall your offspring be named.”

Abraham was being tested. Would he trust God? The irony here is that it seemed like if he trusted God in one area, it would break God’s promise in the other. If he would sacrifice his son as God had called him to do, the promise of a lineage through Isaac would be broken.

Abraham trusted God. He went through with the practice to the point of placing him on the altar. “Then Abraham reached out his hand and took the knife to slaughter his son (Genesis 22:10).” 

At this point God sends the Angel of the Lord, most likely preincarnate Jesus, to stop Abraham. He provides a ram to sacrifice and saves Abraham from sacrificing his son. Abraham trusted God despite the questions of how He would keep His other promise. He trusted God with his son’s future.

We do not have exact promises for our children’s future. But there are many promises in Scripture found in Deuteronomy, Proverbs, and other books talking about how children will have a great future if we raise them in God’s ways. 

How Might We Respond

So the first question is, will you raise your child or children in God’s ways? Second, as you raise them in His ways, will you trust Him with their future? We are not in the matter. There are many actions to do to raise them in His way. I’m saying, once you do your part, can you rest in the fact that He is sovereign and in control of their future?

What do we do when we have “done it all” and it still doesn’t seem to turn out right? We must pray. Instead of spending time worrying, spend time praying. Worrying does nothing but hurt us. It gives us anxiety, steals our sleep, takes our joy, cripples us, and distracts us. Prayer hands those things over to God, and can put our mind at ease. This is what the apostle Paul calls us to do in Philippians 4:6.

Think About It

What area of your children’s future are you worried about?

Do you trust him with their future?

When you worry about their future, do you take time to pray for them and their future?

Thanks for taking time to read this Maddening Theology post. If you enjoyed this content you can find Pastor Tim’s sermons at www.cornerstoneforestcity.org. You can also join us at 520 Marion St. Browndale, PA 18421 on Sundays at 10 AM. To make following the blog easier you can also register. You can also join us on Facebook at Cornerstone Forest City. Also, don’t forget to download our APP on iTunes  or Googleplay.