“And the angel of the Lord called to Abraham a second time from heaven and said, ‘By myself I have sworn, declares the Lord, because you have done this and have not withheld your son, your only son, I will surely bless you, and I will surely multiply your offspring as the stars of heaven and as the sand that is on the seashore. And your offspring shall possess the gate of his enemies, and in your offspring shall all the nations of the earth be blessed, because you have obeyed my voice.'” Genesis 22:15-18

Have you ever pondered what your obedience to God could mean for the lives of your children?

Have you ever pondered what your disobedience could mean?

One is exciting. The other, terrifying.

I think about this often, as I’m tempted to defy my God by speaking disrespectfully to my husband.

What will it mean for my daughters, in their marriages? Will they struggle, because of me?

What will it mean for my sons? Will they choose an irreverent woman… because of me?

But what if I’m kind to my husband and hold him in the highest esteem, just as my God has commanded me?

Will my daughters find it easy to mimic what they’ve seen and be their husband’s strong supporter? Will they have peaceful and loving households, because of me?

Will my sons desire a woman who will hold them up? Will they choose wives who are kind and respectful, because of me?

Mothers and Fathers, there is great power in your obedience to God’s Word. Abraham heard His voice audibly. We read His commands in text.

We may not ever be asked to lay down our children on an altar as Abraham was, and we may never be promised offspring as numerous as the stars in heaven or success as a great people. However, we are asked to obey daily, in many small but profound ways, and we can be sure that our children will be blessed greatly when we obey His voice.