The Faithfulness of God Through Generations

By Steve Pierce

Let me ask you to do something. Think about generations and how you are affected by them. Do you see yourself as a result of past generations or an example to future generations. I think we should see ourselves as both, influenced by our past and influential to those who will follow us. But sometimes we get stuck. We forget the healthy balance between the past and future. Some can hold too tightly to the past, stuck in the glories or traumas of old. Some try too hard to influence the future and forget to live in truth and joy now.

Generations are a blessing. God uses them to advance His kingdom. From the beginning in Genesis, God has made this clear. “And I will establish my covenant between me and you and your offspring after you throughout their generations for an everlasting covenant, to be God to you and to your offspring after you.” (Gen 17:7, ESV)  What do you see in this verse? I see continuity, relationship, hope, promise, salvation, community, balance, blessing, commitment, trust, covenant.

The covenants that God makes with humanity throughout the Bible are more powerful than any generational memory or pain. More pleasing than any human success. They outshine everything. When we focus too much on our past and future, we have forgotten the true purpose of generations. Very simply, generations exist to spread the covenant of God to His people.

In your life, if you feel stuck because of past pain, remember God’s everlasting promise. If you feel your future is limitless because of your abilities, remember where those abilities come from. Change your focus from what was or could be, to what is guaranteed by God’s covenant. Don’t be stuck in the past or selfish in the future. See generations as what they are, connections between people and the Lord. They are hopeful and inspiring and their message cannot fail.

Learn what that means and how to live a life that pleases the Lord. God’s plan will always succeed. His focus does not change and ours needs to line up with His. Generations are a blessing to those who do not know Jesus, yet.

“Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:6-7, ESV) God does care. The evidence is all around you.