“Let’s bring our God-given gifts to the table, fully, faithfully, and freely, and trust that the One who gave them to us will do the rest.”
Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – August 31, 2025
As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace. 1 Peter 4:10
Recently, while sharing porch time with a dear friend, our conversation gently drifted toward our loved ones, especially our children, and how heavy the burden can feel when it comes to their spiritual lives. If I’m the parent doesn’t that mean I’m responsible for their salvation? The truth is, many of us wrestle with this very question. We feel like we must be the key, especially when we love so deeply.
Yes, when our children are little, they go where we go. They sit beside us in church pews, memorize Scripture, and hear our prayers. We lead, we guide, we teach. But as they grow older and life takes them beyond our front porch – off to college, into careers, and into the world, we can no longer hold the reins. Their faith becomes their choice, and that’s when the trusting truly begins.
Proverbs 22:6 reminds us, “Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.” What a comfort that is. Still, there are moments we feel helpless. But in truth, we are not without hope.
I came across a post by CeCe Winans that resonated deeply. She shared how she once felt personally responsible for the salvation of those attending her concerts. She carried the weight of their eternity on her shoulders. But then God whispered to her, “You just need to bring the gifts I’ve given you to the table—the rest is up to Me.”
What a freeing truth. God doesn’t ask us to save our loved ones – He’s the Savior. He simply calls us to be faithful with what He has given us: our prayers, our love, our words, and our gifts. He is pursuing our children and our loved ones far more deeply than we ever could.
So, let’s lay down the burden we were never meant to carry. Let’s bring our God-given gifts to the table, fully, faithfully, and freely, and trust that the One who gave them to us will do the rest. After all, His love for them is even greater than ours.
“In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps” (Proverbs 16:9).
Prayer
Father, help me to remember to use the gifts you have given me and trust you to do the rest. You alone direct our loved one’s steps and it is not up to me to orchestrate every move.
Application
If you are feeling burdened by the direction of a loved one’s spiritual journey, spend a few moments in prayer today. Turn them back over to their Heavenly Father, who directs each and every step.
Related Reading
Psalm 37:23; Isaiah 26:3; Romans 8:28; Ephesians 3:20
Worship Resource
Jack Cassidy: Let Go Let God
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