What do we mean by God is faithful?
The word faithful in the Bible means essentially to have the quality of truth, accuracy, and dependability. God is faithful because He is true and dependable. The Bible says there is no shadow of turning with Him (James 1:17). We can depend upon God to lead us in the best direction, to make no mistakes, and to do the best and right work.
What does God Design?
Psalm 139:15-16 discloses the truth that God designed each person before their birth. There are many features in our life that God appointed and purposed. The unchangeable qualities, or those things beyond our personal control, are the items that highlight God's hand in our life. Some of these features are our appearance, aptitude, parentage, and social background. We must always remember that God did not make us and say, "That is that." He is still working in our lives (Ephesians 2:10).
One thing we should mention is that God does not have an outward ideal of what people should look like. Isaiah 53:2 points out that God's own Son was not very becoming or attractive. However, God does have an inward ideal of character in the picture of His Son Jesus Christ. (Romans 8:29). The differences in these unchangeable features are merely parts of a picture frame which highlight God's inward qualities and message in our life (2 Corinthians 3:1,2; John 15:8-11). In fact, God will sacrifice outward beauty or social comfort to develop inward character (2 Corinthians 12:9-12; Colossians 1:27).
We can trust God to be vitally interested in the outcome of His work because His reputation is at stake in the development of that inward picture and the outward frame of our life. He is the artist and His signature is on every person alive.
How does this insight affect our children?
Modern day thought focuses on the importance of self-esteem. However, God never intended for us to esteem ourselves. He warns us of the danger of worshipping (esteeming) the creature rather than the Creator (Romans 1:21-25). God does want us to trust Him to design our life correctly. Therefore, it is important for you and your children to accept God's design. When that step is understood and integrated into our life, we are back in God's hands as unfinished clay is returned to the Potter's hands.
If our children grow with this sense of deep trust in God's past work in their life they will have a great ability to trust God for their present service and future life. They will enjoy a solid foundation to obey God and other authorities. They will have the confidence to take responsibility for their actions. They find it easier to trust God to own their possessions and attitudes. They will be able to respond correctly to the suffering they will face in life. They will have the basis to maintain moral and financial freedom. They will have the capability to understand what true success is and desire it with their whole heart.
Those children who accept God's design for their life will have an abundance of potential to be all that God wants them to become.
