Publicly Waiting On God

We want our children to learn to wait on God – to be directed by the voice of His Spirit.

This is not easily taught. Like all good discipleship ‘waiting and watching’ for God is learned by seeing it happen in real life.

But have you ever seen someone wait? It isn’t very captivating. It isn’t comfortable to watch. It doesn’t instill confidence.

It is especially uncomfortable when we – as parents – are the ones who wait on God while others wait on us. To see our children’s eyes looking to us for answers as we wait on our Father.

We prefer to be led by those who make a path. Not to sit with our leaders at a crossroad waiting and watching for God. But inviting our children to wait on God, with us – rather than offering them platitudes – is what they need to experience.

We certainly don't want to disorient our children with our own despair. We don't want to unduly expose them to the depths of adult struggles. They need a stable home environment and a sense of security.

But inviting them to pray with us over family decisions – or hardships which are already public – teaches them their spiritual mentors' greatest asset is an unblushing dependence on God.

He told the disciples, "Sit here while I go over there and pray."
Taking along Peter and the two sons of Zebedee,
He began to be sorrowful and deeply distressed.
Then He said to them,
"My soul is swallowed up in sorrow – to the point of death.
Remain here and stay awake with Me."
– Matthew 26:36b-38