All the Marbles Day 18

Is your child anxious about today? Are they scared of monsters? Are they stressing over grades and how to learn in this “shelter at home” season? Are you stressed over finances, job security, catching the virus?

We want a quick solution. We want to fix the external situation, but what if we looked at the heart of the issues—fear of not being in control, fear of the future, fear of being alone. We can’t “fix” these fears, BUT we can trust that Jesus is with us. Your children’s “issues” are real, their feelings are real, are you ready to walk with them through these fears/struggles? Are you transparent enough to share your struggles, at their level, or do you act like you have it all together?

We are powerless to change a person's fears, but the gospel (good news of Jesus) can transform them and turn our fears to confidence in a sovereign God who is faithful and will see us through!

There were seasons in my journey with my girls, where I just needed to listen and walk with them and remind them they are always loved by the Father who created them and the Son who redeemed them. And, that the gospel is about “so much more” than “being saved” and going to heaven. It is about being transformed! About being a new person!

(1) Read Ezekiel 36:26-27. Discuss what being transformed means. Discuss how God can transform our hearts.

(2) Talk about how the Spirit gives us the power to change our hearts (John 6:63), through the Word of God (2 Tim 3:16-17), and through prayer (James 5:16-20.)

(3) Read how Paul, in his letter to the Romans, shares that the gospel can set us free from the power of sin, in Romans 6.

If you are interested in a simple “journey guide” to discipling your children, sign up at www.allthemarbles-365-18.com, and this daily “All the Marbles” will come straight to your inbox. Also, Days 1-17 are posted there.

I am praying for you and your family, and this journey together!