February 11

Are the Children In?

For I will pour water on the thirsty land, and currents on the dry ground. I will pour out My Spirit on your descendants, and My blessing on your offspring. — Isa 44:3 BSB

Our dear children do not naturally have the Spirit of God, as we can clearly see. We often see things in them that cause us to worry about their future, which drives us to fervent prayer. When a son becomes particularly wayward, we cry out like Abraham, “Oh, that Ishmael might live before You!” We would rather see our daughters be like Hannah than hold worldly power. This verse should greatly encourage us. It follows the words, “Fear not, O Jacob, my servant,” and it should dispel our fears.

The Lord promises to give His Spirit—plentifully, pouring it out generously. He will give it in such a way that it will be a true and lasting blessing. Under this divine outpouring, our children will come forward, declaring, “I am the Lord’s,” and another will call himself by the name of Jacob.

This is one of those promises that the Lord wants us to pray for. Shouldn’t we, at specific times, earnestly pray for our children? We cannot give them new hearts, but the Holy Spirit can, and He is easily entreated. The great Father delights in the prayers of fathers and mothers. Do we have any dear ones outside the ark of safety? Let us not rest until they are securely brought in by the Lord’s own hand.