What Remains

Have you ever looked at your children and wondered, “Will any of this sink in?” Because there are moments when it really feels like you’re pouring so much in, but you can’t quite tell what is taking root. You speak, guide, correct, you try again… and life just keeps moving so fast that you’re left wondering if it’s even being heard.

Genesis 18 doesn’t read like one smooth story. It feels more like a trailer: three visitors arrive, a promise is made about a son, judgment is spoken over Sodom, and Abraham is standing there talking with God. Then, almost in passing, God says something very personal: “I have chosen him so that he will direct his children and his household after him to keep the way of the Lord” (Genesis 18:19).

Before Isaac even comes into the picture, God is already thinking about what will be passed on through him to the next generations.

And that’s where Sodom comes in as a contrast, a picture of what happens when that kind of direction is missing. When there is no grounding, things begin to fall apart, and what follows is confusion, disorder, and eventually destruction.

But God’s heart is clear: He places us in families so that faith is passed on. In what is perhaps the clearest New Testament example, in Timothy’s life, we see it through Lois (his grandmother) and Eunice (his mother) – faith shaped steadily, through everyday life.

So maybe the question is simple: what is one small thing you can do today to pass on faith in your home, through your words, your example, or simply how you show up?

Lord, I come as I am. I pray for grace, faith, and wisdom to pass the truth of who you are and your great plans to my children and household. Help me to yield to your Holy Spirit so that I know what to do at all times. Amen.

Throughout this day: Take time to pray. Thank God for his Word, and ask him to direct you in what you need to do right now, how to partner with him in your home and relationships. It is not too late to redeem a household. With God, all things are possible.