IN DUE SEASON
Zig Ziglar is known for his illustration of the Chinese
bamboo tree. Waiting for the Chinese
bamboo tree to grow can really test one’s patience, as it is known to lie
dormant for five years with no visible signs of growth. The wise farmer knows this and continues to
cultivate the soil around the tree, water it and keep the area free of weeds
even though signs of life may be non-existent.
Children and young people can sometimes be like the Chinese
bamboo tree. As parents, we may be
faithful in reading God’s Word to our children. We may be faithful in our prayers for them,
and daily striving to be a positive
role model for them, walking our faith walk with conviction and humbleness. However, sometimes, we may feel despair in
our hearts if we don’t witness a change of heart, immediate spiritual growth or
a desired level of spiritual maturity in our children. Though it would be easy to be discouraged in
such a time as this, we cannot lose heart.
Sometimes the transfer of a personal and vibrant faith is immediate;
sometimes it is slow and filled with setbacks.
I think of the verse in Proverbs 22:6 which says, “Train up a child in
the way he should go, And when he is old he will not depart from it.” Your
steady, unwavering confidence in your child and in your faith in Christ will be
a strong, powerful testimony to your child and will help them spiritually
mature and grow in the faith. The seeds have
been planted. Now, we are simply called
to be faithful in the watering and cultivating of the soil of our children’s
hearts. As it says in Galations 6:9,
“And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if
we do not lose heart.”
