Our little ones

Ezra 8:21 & 23  "Then I proclaimed a fast there at the river Ahava, that we might afflict ourselves before our God to seek of Him a right way for us and for our little ones, and for all our substance...So we fasted and besought our God for this:  and He was intreated of us."

Israel always knew where to go when they needed help.  Despite their rebellion and evil ways, God was their refuge, their present help in the time of trouble.  Like "spoiled brats", they ran to Him, knowing that His love and mercy would prevail when they called on Him.  Sometimes, fasting with prayer was necessary.  Their love for their children, "little ones" overpowered their foolish and selfish natures.

Today I have my sweet great grandbaby, Riley May beside me while I'm blogging.  She is 3 months old and definitely falls under the classification of one of my "little ones".  When I look into her questioning, innocent eyes it causes me to pause and consider the "right way" God has for her.  I wonder who and what will influence her as she grows.  Studies reveal that her character will be formed before she reaches the age of six.  What a grave responsibility her parents, grandparents, and others have as she develops.

What can I do?  I'm just a great-grandparent, I don't see her every day, I don't have the final say regarding what she eats, where she spends her time and who she spends it with.  What television shows and movies will she be subjected to; what books will be read to her; will she spend time in the house of the Lord; will she be taught to pray; will her talents and abilities be nurtured to full potential?

I have no control over these influences or answers to these questions that cause me concern.  These same concerns extend to my other grandchildren--all  different ages and at different stages of life.  One in kindergarten, some in grade school, some in high school, and others in college, one now a parent himself.  In most ways, my influence, especially on the older ones is even more limited than my input into baby Riley's development.  Many attend Christian School because their parents see the mandate in God's Word to instruct them continually in the ways of God.  That gives me some relief, but still the pull of the world and its ungodly ways pound persistently at the moral fiber of their hearts and minds.  Their Meme can't be with them all the time.

But, how wonderful to know that, just as Israel could in the days of Ezra, I can daily, hourly and minute by minute when necessary, go to God the Father, accessing His very throne room, because of the blood of His Son, Jesus.  There I can ask Him to guide, protect and keep in the hollow of His hand my children, my grandchildren, my "little ones" as I seek God's "right way" for them!

Mom, Dad, Aunts, Uncles, Grandmas and Grandpas; your responsibility is great....bombard Heaven on behalf of your "little ones".  You can't let up, not for one day.