Although I have struggled with posting as the new year starts, I am energized by the words of Elisabeth Elliot. Yesterday, this quote from her showed up in my Facebook feed: “A grandmother’s special calling is to pray and to be a fellow worker in the battle in which her children or grandchildren are engaged.” Battle has lost its intensity in our vocabularies as we use it to refer to sports competitions, political elections, and keeping weeds out of the garden. Battle is defined as “a hostile encounter or engagement between opposing military forces.”
Notice, there is no “if” in Elisabeth Elliot’s statement. The greatest battle in our world today is between God’s army and the army of Satan, the Father of Lies and enemy of our souls. Our children and grandchildren are in a battle for their souls, and we need to step up and partner with them in the fight. How do we do that?
Arm Ourselves with the Word
We arm ourselves with knowledge of the Word of God and we allow His strength to become evident in our weakness. As we e study what God’s Word says about God’s commands for our daily lives, we share what we learn. We don’t observe with piety and offer platitudes of false encouragement. Instead, we climb into the trenches with them fully armed with the only truth that matters: “If God be for us, who can be against us?” (Romans 8:31). And He is most definitely for us!
Pray
We pray like we have never prayed before. 1 Thessalonians 5:17 tells us to “pray without ceasing.” That doesn’t mean we hide in a closet to pray 24/7 except for the times when God specifically called us to that. It means as we go about following God’s call in our daily lives, the names of our children and our grandchildren are being lifted to God in constant prayer. Ask God to put a hedge of protection around them and to fortify their faith.
Speak Truth
We speak words of faith, obedience, and victory into their lives. Deuteronomy 6 instructs us to speak to our children and grandchildren about faithfulness and obedience to God’s commands in all we do. Our life and homes should reflect our obedience and be a witness of instruction to our families. God’s Word is Truth, the only truth, and it needs to be spoken to those we love.
Be Real
We are real. Perfection, or righteousness, is not attainable as humans. But Jesus becomes our righteousness through His sacrifice on the cross. Don’t be afraid to confess your own failings. Be ready to receive as well as give forgiveness.
I feel, as I am sure you do, that our families are under a vicious and specific attack from the enemy. If he can cause separation and isolation, he can plant anger and bitterness. Those are the weeds that destroy relationships with each other and with God.
Today, I am specifically calling grandmothers (and grandfathers) to pray and do battle with and for your children and grandchildren. Take steps to let them know that they are not alone in their struggles because you and God stand and fight with them. As soldiers in this righteous battle, we are to be obedient to Him and trust His commands. Remind them the battle belongs to the Lord, and He will bring the victory.
Blessings!
