A Godly Inheritance

Below are Jessica's thoughts on Chapter 22 of The Power of A Praying Parent by Stormie Omartian. Please know that what we all learn from a study is usually different. Therefore, we encourage you to share what you've learned from this chapter as well.

"for I, the Lord, your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sin of the parents to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me, but showing love to a thousand generations of those who love me and keep my commandments."-Exodus 20: 5-6

We all have dysfunction and sin in our family history to some degree or another. It is easy to fall into condemnation and guilt over how this affects our children and what we are praying for their future. As soon as I am tempted to fall into this, I must choose to meditate on the second part of this scripture-and realize that the choices I make now can reverse this for my family here on earth and future generations.

In my own family, through my own example I can see a history of perfectionism that is showing up in my nine year old son, Anthony. With God's help, I have made great strides in my own life but am still seeing some of the effects in how he sees himself when he makes mistakes or just isn't the best at something. This chapter was a good reminder for me to pray more fervently about this, and for any other ways patterns and habits of sin could be affecting our family. The thing to remember, especially for a perfectionist, is that no amount of striving will change this kind of behavior. We must repent, commit to working with God and allow Him to work in us little by little until we get there. We must remember that as long as we are working with God and making progress there is no reason to condemn ourselves or feel guilty.

Heavenly Father,
I thank you for all of the wonderful blessings you have bestowed on us and our children. Thank you for your Love and Your grace that has the power to break any bondage and create a new family pattern of holiness. We realize that all blessing and all goodness within ourselves come from you. In Jesus' name we break the bonds of sin in our families and surrender to Your grace so that we can change. We trust You and invite You to lead us into all truth regarding this kind of bondage in our family. Thank you for Your promises and for Your faithfulness in all things.
In Jesus' name we pray,
Amen