BY THERON & MIZPAH GLENNY

Preface: The following article is the second of a four-part series where we walk through how you as a parent can model at home how to live with purpose so your kids will live with a sense of destiny.

In our last article, we shared the importance of remembering God has purpose for your life. To model purpose to your family, you first have to remember you have it. When you remember that you matter and have reason for existence on the earth, your sense of destiny will rub off on your family. The second key to modeling purpose is to do things that require faith.

I remember it vividly. We were walking through the city streets of Buffalo and there was a homeless person just ahead. This wasn’t a time to debate whether I was going to help the guy or not. My kids were watching. I know they were asking themselves ‘what is Daddy going to do?’ As we approached I engaged the fellow in conversation. As I talked to the man, he sadly shared with us that he had cancer throughout his whole body and was dying. I think it shocked my kids. Frankly, it shocked me. Our hearts immediately went out to him. We couldn’t have provided enough money to solve his problem. We did give him some money, but more importantly, we spent some time with him and shared with him how much Jesus loved him and how he had purpose…even now while he was fighting cancer. We asked him if we could pray that God would heal him and he welcomed us to. So, we all laid hands on him right there on that crowded street and we asked God to come and heal him. We prayed he would feel God’s presence wherever he goes and in every situation.

We don’t know what happened to that man, whether he was healed or not, but what I do know is this, I did what I was supposed to do. My job was to step out in faith. Please hear me on this: We don’t get it right all the time folks. We aren’t superman and wonder-woman. We’re just like you wanting to impart faith and courage to our kids. But, what I can tell you is this - the more you step out in faith, the more you will see your kids have the courage to step out. My kids have become accustomed to this now. Everywhere we go, they know Dad and Mom will step out in faith.

One day in Altoona, my daughter saw a lady walking down the street with a distinct limp that looked painful. Worse, she looked sad. My daughter said 'Daddy, do you see that lady and how she’s walking and she looks sad'. I said 'yes baby, I do'. Without having to ask her, she said, 'I want to go talk to her and pray for her'. So, we did. My little girl took a step of faith. When we approached the lady, I told her that my daughter wanted to meet her and felt like God wanted her to pray for her. My daughter was super courageous then. She laid her little hands on the older lady and prayed out loud. It was a beautiful prayer. The lady was shocked. She was taken back at what just happened - a little girl was led to have a conversation with her and pray for her. I absolutely love seeing my kids be bold like this. As parents, we should want it to be normal for our kids to do things that require faith. But, it starts with us. We can’t expect our kids to be bold in their faith if we aren’t.

God said to Joshua, “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua was one of the few leaders of the Israelites that was willing to face giants. He was an overcomer. He was one who did things that required faith. When we get scared, we should ask the Lord for courage and strength because He will give it to us. The next time you come into a situation where you can do something that requires faith, do it and watch what happens. May you be known by your kids as one who demonstrated faith and inspired them to be courageous.

In our next article, we’ll share a potential trap that could hold you and your family back from living fully alive.

The above article was also published today in the Tyrone Daily Herald.

Photo credit: wisdomtimes.com