Family Feels | Week 1 | Pastor Melissa Pierce
Exploring Family Feels: Lessons from Abraham
In the inaugural week of our ‘Family Feels’ series, we delve into the complexities and joys of family life through the lens of faith. Using the life of Abraham as a guide, we will uncover key lessons about prioritizing God in our personal lives, marriages, and parenting.
Introduction to Family Feels
Family is a unique tapestry of relationships, emotions, and experiences. Each person carries their own story, shaped by the dynamics of their family. The ‘Family Feels’ series reflects on these various experiences, recognizing that family can evoke joy, sadness, and everything in between. It’s essential to understand that God’s design for family encompasses all these feelings, offering us a framework to navigate the complexities of our relationships.
The Divine Blueprint of Family
God, as the ultimate Father, created the family unit with intention. He understands the myriad of emotions that family can stir within us. It’s not just about the happy moments; it’s also about the struggles and challenges. Throughout scripture, we find guidance and comfort for our family lives, reminding us that we are not alone in our experiences.
Understanding God’s Design for Family
At the core of God’s design for family is the idea of connection and support. God places individuals in families not just for companionship but to fulfill His purpose in the world. The scriptures remind us that even in loneliness, God provides family, highlighting His desire for us to belong.
Consider Psalm 68:6, which states, “God places the lonely in families.” This verse reassures us that no matter our current situation, God has a plan for our relationships. If you feel abandoned or isolated, remember that God can bring people into your life who will support and uplift you.
Abraham: The Father of Many Nations
Abraham’s story serves as a powerful illustration of faith and obedience within the family structure. Known as the father of many nations, Abraham exemplified what it means to trust God despite the odds. His journey began when God called him to leave his homeland and family, promising him a future that he could not yet see.
In Genesis 12, God instructed Abraham to “get out of your country, from your family and from your father’s house to a land that I will show you.” This command was significant, as it required Abraham to step away from everything familiar. His willingness to obey without hesitation set the foundation for his legacy.
The Importance of Believing Before Seeing
One of the most remarkable aspects of Abraham’s faith was his ability to believe before he saw the fulfillment of God’s promises. At 75 years old, with no children of his own, Abraham was called to be the father of many nations. This task seemed impossible, yet he believed in God’s word. His faith was not based on visible evidence but on trust in God’s character and promises.
Believing before seeing is a crucial principle for all families. It challenges us to maintain faith in God’s plans, even when circumstances appear bleak. As Abraham’s story shows, faith can set the tone for our families, guiding our decisions and actions.
God First: What Abraham Did Right
Abraham exemplified the principle of placing God first in his life. His journey illustrates the importance of prioritizing God over familial ties and societal expectations. By choosing to follow God’s call, Abraham established a legacy rooted in faith and obedience.
This order of priorities is vital for every family. When God takes precedence, it influences our relationships, decisions, and overall family dynamics. Abraham’s belief set a spiritual tone that impacted not only his life but also the generations that followed.
As we reflect on Abraham’s life, we can ask ourselves: Does God hold the top position in our hearts? Are we willing to trust Him before we see the outcome? Our willingness to embrace God’s plan can transform our family experiences, helping us navigate the challenges we face.
In a world filled with distractions and competing priorities, making God first can seem daunting. However, like Abraham, we are called to step out in faith, trusting that God will guide us on our journey. This commitment not only shapes our lives but also influences the generations to come.
God First in My Marriage: What Abraham Did Wrong
Abraham’s journey serves as a reminder of the challenges that can arise when we allow fear to dictate our decisions, especially within our marriages. As he and Sarah approached Egypt during a famine, Abraham’s anxiety led him to make a choice that put his wife’s safety at risk.
He instructed Sarah to say she was his sister, fearing that the Egyptians would kill him to take her. This decision stemmed from his inability to trust God’s promise that he would become a great nation. Abraham was living in the moment, fixated on the potential dangers, while neglecting the assurance that God had provided.
Many of us can relate to Abraham’s struggle. It’s easy to be overwhelmed by uncertainty and to anticipate the worst. This mindset can create tension and distrust in our relationships. Instead of being a source of strength for our spouses, we may inadvertently become a burden.
In marriage, it’s crucial to remember that we are called to uplift one another. Imagine if Sarah had responded to Abraham’s fears with encouragement instead of fear. What if she had reminded him of God’s promises? This shift in perspective could have altered the course of their journey.
Setting a Tone of Faith in Marriage
Setting a tone of faith in our marriages begins with acknowledging the promises of God. When fear arises, it’s essential to pause and reflect on what God has said. We can create an environment where faith flourishes by regularly discussing God’s faithfulness and encouraging each other to trust in His plans.
As couples, we should establish rituals that reinforce our commitment to God and each other. This could include daily prayers, sharing scripture, or simply reminding one another of past victories where God intervened. Such practices help counteract the negative narratives that can creep into our minds.
God First in My Parenting: The Role of Tara
Transitioning from Abraham to his father, Tara, we see another layer of God’s design for the family. Tara’s journey also illustrates the importance of faith in parenting. Although he did not reach the promised land of Canaan, he played a pivotal role in guiding Abraham on his path.
In Genesis 11, we learn that Tara set out with his family from Ur of the Chaldeans to go to Canaan but settled in Haran instead. This move was significant, as it demonstrated a willingness to step out in faith, even if he did not reach his intended destination.
As parents, we must understand that our role is not solely about reaching a predetermined destination but about guiding our children in their faith journey. Tara’s decision to leave Ur set the stage for Abraham’s eventual calling. It reminds us that even partial obedience is crucial in God’s plan.
We need to be intentional in sharing our faith stories with our children. By recounting God’s faithfulness in our lives, we lay a foundation for their faith. This storytelling is vital for helping them understand their heritage and the bigger picture of God’s plan.
Finding Freedom in Parenting
Many parents feel guilt and regret for what they perceive as parenting failures. Tara’s story offers a liberating perspective: He did his best, and that was enough. God’s grace covers our shortcomings and empowers us to continue striving for our children’s spiritual growth.
In Christ, we find freedom from the burdens of comparison and guilt. We can focus on what we can do today rather than what we failed to do yesterday. This mindset shift allows us to embrace our role as parents, knowing God works in our children’s lives, even when we can’t see it.
As parents, we must remember that our influence does not end with our limitations. God has a plan for our children that surpasses our understanding. By placing God first in our parenting, we trust He will guide them on their journey, regardless of our perceived failures.
Ultimately, the journey of faith is a shared experience. By prioritizing God in our marriages and parenting, we create an environment where faith can thrive. Together, let’s commit to being the encouragers, the storytellers, and the faithful guides that our families need.