8/23/2015 Devotions — Proverbs 31 Ministries Devotions

http://proverbs31.org/devotions/devo/page/2038/# 1/2

Susanne Scheppmann May 23, 2007

A Legend of Faith

“Even when I am old and gray, do not forsake me, O God, till I declare your power to the nextgeneration, your might to all who are to come.” Psalm 71:18 (NIV)

Susanna Wesley’s life changed history. How? She gave a legacy of faith to her children. Born in 1669 to aChristian minister and his wife, she grew up in a culture of devout Christian faith. Susanna imparted herunderstanding of Christ to her own children, instructing them in biblical knowledge and praying diligentlyfor them an hour each day. At least once a week she took them aside individually to discuss spiritualmatters.

Her legacy to this world is John and Charles Wesley. Both of these men became leaders in the spiritualrevival known as “The Great Awakening.” John Wesley founded the Methodist denomination and otherWesleyan denominations, as well as theological beliefs and traditions that are named after him. CharlesWesley not only preached but also wrote many of our traditional hymns.

Susanna’s maternal influence bore rich fruit in these men’s lives. The power of their Christian faith cameabout as a direct result of their godly mother. She actively lived out her faith in their home. Heraccomplishments as a mother resulted in sons who continued to pass down her inheritance of faith.

Throughout Scripture, examples are given of women who influenced their children in a godly way. Themother of Moses hid him for three months and then placed Moses in a water resistant basket to save himfrom death. Moses led the children of Israel out of slavery. Hannah dedicated her three-year-old son,Samuel, to the Lord. He became a mighty prophet. The apostle Paul wrote about a mother andgrandmother who influenced a young disciple named Timothy. “I have been reminded of your sincerefaith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now livesin you also” (2 Timothy 1:5 NIV).

What word described their faith? Sincere faith. Timothy’s grandmother Lois, and his mother Eunice, helda positive sway in the life of Timothy because of their sincere faith. I do not want my children to see myfaith as a mediocre belief system. I want to leave them a legend of living and active faith.

Proverbs 17:6 states, “Children’s children are a crown to the aged, and parents are the pride of theirchildren” (NIV). Although I am certainly not Susanna Wesley, I hope my children take pride in me as theirmother. (I am certainly glorying in my grandchildren!) I wait with great anticipation to see what Christianheritage will pass from me, to my children, and to my grandchildren.

So what will be our legend of faith? Shall we begin today to live out a dynamic faith that our children canwatch, understand, and imitate?

Dear Lord, I desire to leave a legacy of faith to my children. Inspire me to pray for them daily. Instruct meon how I may leave an inheritance of godliness to my children, my grandchildren, and to others who lookto me as an example. Lord, let my faith shine brightly even after I leave this earth. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Related Resources: Do you know Him?

8/23/2015 Devotions — Proverbs 31 Ministries Devotions

http://proverbs31.org/devotions/devo/page/2038/# 2/2

That’s My Son, How Moms can Influence Boys to Become Men of Character by Rick Johnson

The Pocket Guide for Parents, Raising Godly Kids

Join us for more Everyday Life encouragement

Application Steps:Make a list of things to share with your children about your relationship with Jesus. Determine to discussthings of faith daily with each child.

Reflections:What will my children recall after I die?

Do I make a concentrated effort to teach my children about Jesus?

Do I pray for my children on a regular basis?

Power Verses:Proverbs 31:28-30, “Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: ‘Manywomen do noble things, but you surpass them all.’ Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but awoman who fears the Lord is to be praised.” (NIV)

Proverbs 17:6, “Children’s children are a crown to the aged, and parents are the pride of their children.”(NIV)

2 Timothy 1:5, “I have been reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois andin your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also.” (NIV)

Categories: Parenting, Spiritual Growth