Repeating History

Moses’s successor, Joshua, made this declaration at a time in history when his people, Israel, were extremely vulnerable to the influence of other cultures and religions. Seeing the world our kids are growing up in, I can’t help but feel that we’re living in a similar age. It’s as if history is repeating itself, and frankly, it’s a little scary. Parenting has always had its challenges—every generation’s moms and dads have tried to safely guide their children through not just homework and makeup but dating and friendships. Now, though, we have to add social media and the Internet to that mix. 

Obviously, as parents (or as people who care about the well-being of the children in our lives), we can’t protect the younger generation from every harmful influence, but we can set good boundaries. We can uphold rules and expectations that will help them live more innocently. We can encourage the positive use of their giftings. And we can affirm again and again not only who we serve but what we stand for. 

It will be a daily choice for them, just as it is for us. Yet if we regularly uphold God’s place in our lives, we just might see history repeat itself once again, but in the best of ways: where our kids and grandkids choose to serve the same God as their fathers (and mothers!). That feels like a legacy worth striving for! 

Choose this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served...or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord. JOSHUA 24:15 ESV 

I choose You today, God, and I pray that You will move in the same way in the hearts of the kids I know and love. Lead us all in the way we should go. 

Candace Cameron Bure 
100 Days of Joy & Strength 

Looking for more inspiration? You can find hope & encouragement in God’s Word every day with the new DaySpring Hope & Encouragement Bible now available for pre-order.