A few days ago, I was riding out of town with a friend when she received a phone call from her son. This son had spent years battling an addition to drugs. My friend had stood in faith that he would be delivered and once again, walk with the Lord. It took many years, but God is faithful and her son is now delivered, on fire for God and walking with the Lord daily.
That day he called and said, “Mom, tell me the story again about how you and dad bought lights for the church.”
You see, a friend had asked her son if he believed in tithing. He replied, “Yes! My mom and dad have always been givers and God always took care of them.”
So, she shared the story.
One time, many years ago, her husband had lost his job. They had three small children and didn’t know what they were going to do. One day she went to the mailbox to find several checks from a previous employer. They were not expecting these checks at all. The checks totaled around $6,000 which would catch them up and give them money to live on. She thanked God for coming through for them.
She shared this wonderful news with her husband who said, “That’s good, but I told God if He would come through for us, I would make a large donation to the church building fund.”
This would be a pretty substantial amount to give to the church at a time when they needed money. My friend didn’t even think the pastor would take their money as he knew they were in dire straits. But the pastor had been believing God for money to purchase lights for the church, so he graciously and thankfully, took the money.
My friend said from that point on, each time they would face financial difficulties, she would look up at those lights in the church and know God had done it before, He would do it again.
Now, this son, who was just a small boy at the time was saying, “Tell me that story, Mom!” He wanted to take her story and encourage someone else. I love that! It caused me to think of several scriptures.
One generation shall commend your works to another and shall declare your mighty acts. (Ps 145:4)
We will not hide them from their children; we will tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord, his power, and the wonders he has done. (Ps 78:4)
Only be careful and watch yourselves closely so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen or let them fade from your heart as long as you live. Teach them to your children and to their children after them. (Deut 4:9)
The testimonies we have not only encourage us and speak to us, but they also speak to the next generation. They speak to those around us. Make no mistake about it, when we go through challenging seasons, people are watching. They are taking note of how we handle things and if we remain in faith. When your children or your family sees you stand in faith and watch God come through for you – they don’t forget it – it marks them.
My friends, whatever you are walking through. Or whatever you have walked through, share it with someone, encourage them. Talk to your children and tell them the mighty works of God. Let it mark them. Let them see your faith in action. Allow them to witness God working on your behalf. This testimony I shared today, not only marked my friend and her husband, but it is now marking her son, and his friends. How awesome is that? How great is our God!
