March 26
Passing Faith
to the Next Generation
"God, ever since I was young, you have taught me.
To this day I tell about the wonderful things you have done.
God, don’t leave me even when I’m old and have gray hair.
Let me live to tell my children about your power.
Let me tell all of them about your mighty acts."
Psalm 71:17-18 (NIrV)
Linda and Peter had always dreamed of raising a family rooted in faith. Now, with three children under their care—Amy, 10; Jonah, 7; and little Sarah, just 4—they found themselves wrestling with the enormity of their responsibility.
“What if we don’t do enough?” Linda confided one evening as she and Peter sat at the kitchen table after the kids were in bed. “I want them to know God, not just hear about Him. I want them to carry His love in their hearts long after we’re gone.”
Peter nodded, stirring his tea thoughtfully. “I feel it too. It’s not just about Sunday school or prayers at bedtime. It’s about living in a way that shows them what faith really means.”
But life wasn’t always picture-perfect. Some mornings began with rushed breakfasts and forgotten shoes. Arguments over screen time, schoolwork, and curfews felt more frequent than family devotionals. The couple often wondered: Were their efforts making any impact?
One evening, after a particularly chaotic day, Linda felt overwhelmed. As she tucked Jonah into bed, she noticed him carefully placing his Bible on his nightstand. “Why do you keep your Bible there, sweetheart?” she asked softly.
“So I can read it like Daddy does,” Jonah replied with a grin. “He said it helps him when he feels confused.”
Linda’s heart swelled. Maybe their little habits, their moments of prayer and Scripture, were planting seeds after all. She shared the conversation with Peter, and the two sat in awe of how God was working, even in their imperfect efforts.
The next morning, they decided to make family faith-building more intentional. Peter gathered everyone for breakfast and shared Psalm 71:17-18. “This verse reminds us that God has been with us since we were kids. Now, it’s our turn to pass His love and power to you, so one day, you can do the same for your kids.”
The family started new traditions: singing worship songs during car rides, discussing blessings at dinner, and serving together at a local food pantry. Over time, Linda and Peter saw their children grow in kindness, curiosity about God, and confidence in sharing their faith with friends.
And as they taught their children, Linda and Peter realized they, too, were being shaped—learning anew how to trust in God’s guidance and grace.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You for entrusting us with the sacred task of sharing Your love with the next generation.
Help us to live in a way that reflects Your grace and goodness, even in our imperfections.
Strengthen us to plant seeds of faith in our children that will grow into a lifelong relationship with You.
May Your mighty acts and unfailing love be a legacy that continues through every generation.
In Jesus' name, Amen.
