To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven.”
Ecclesiastes 3:1 (KJV)
One of the greatest truths in Scripture is that God is a God of times and seasons. Nothing He does is accidental. Every purpose has an appointed time, and every assignment has a season.
I strongly believe that parenting is one of those divine assignments that must be fulfilled within God’s appointed timing. Childhood is not merely a stage of life. It is Heaven’s opportunity for parents and guardians to shape hearts, build character, and establish a foundation that will influence generations.
The Father’s Timing
Ecclesiastes 3:1 reminds us that there is “a time for every purpose under heaven.” This principle applies beautifully to parenting. Children grow through seasons, and each season requires a different kind of investment from parents.
Many Bible teachers describe these seasons as follows:
- The Servant Season: The early years when parents lovingly meet a child’s physical, emotional, and spiritual needs.
- The Authority Season: The years of establishing boundaries, teaching obedience, correcting in love, and building godly character.
- The Mentor Season: As children mature, parents gradually become counselors, guiding them through life’s decisions with wisdom and grace.
- The Friendship Season: As children become responsible adults, the relationship matures into one of mutual love, respect, encouragement, and fellowship.
Each season has an assignment. Wisdom is knowing what God requires in each season and faithfully fulfilling it before the season passes.
Consider the seasons of planting and harvesting. A farmer who neglects the season of sowing should not expect an abundant harvest. Likewise, parents who fail to sow God’s Word into the hearts of their children during their formative years may experience deep regret later in life.
“The sluggard will not plow by reason of the cold; therefore shall he beg in harvest, and have nothing.”
Proverbs 20:4 (KJV)
Excuses today often become regrets tomorrow. Parenting is a divine assignment that requires diligence, consistency, and timely action.
An African proverb says, “You can only bend the okro plant while it is still tender, not when it has become dry.” Foundations are easier to shape than finished structures. Childhood is God’s appointed season for building godly character.
The Father’s Responsibility
“Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.”
Proverbs 22:6 (KJV)
The words “train up” describe more than giving instructions occasionally. They speak of intentional parenting.
- Dedicating our children to God, recognizing that they ultimately belong to Him.
- Teaching them God’s Word consistently until it becomes the foundation of their thinking.
- Inspiring within them a genuine love for God rather than mere religious routine.
- Understanding that every child is unique and guiding each one according to his or her personality, gifts, strengths, and developmental stage.
Sadly, many parents and guardians complain, murmur, or continue making excuses instead of embracing this sacred responsibility. Yet time never waits for anyone. Every passing day is either invested wisely or lost forever.
“See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil.”
Ephesians 5:15–16 (KJV)
There comes a point in life when you no longer need more motivation. You need discipline.
Do not wait until someone encourages you before obeying God.
The Bible tells us that David encouraged himself in the LORD his God (1 Samuel 30:6). Although those around him were discouraged, David found strength in God and continued forward.
Parents must learn this lesson. Some days will be difficult. There will be moments of exhaustion, disappointment, and uncertainty. Yet God’s assignment remains unchanged. Encourage yourself in the Lord and continue sowing faithfully into the lives of your children.
Before the world hears your testimony, your children live with it. They are the closest witnesses of your walk with God. As you faithfully disciple them, they become living evidence of God’s transforming grace and powerful ambassadors for Christ.
The Father’s Hope
“…and when he is old, he will not depart from it.”
Proverbs 22:6 (KJV)
This is not permission to become careless but encouragement to remain faithful.
Seeds planted in God’s timing produce fruit in God’s timing.
- Every family devotion…
- Every prayer…
- Every Bible story…
- Every loving correction…
- Every godly example…
- Every sacrifice…
None of it is wasted.
God sees every seed, and in His appointed season He brings forth a harvest.
Therefore, my charge to every parent and guardian today is this:
Take personal responsibility. Maximize your time by living a disciplined life. Do not waste the season God has entrusted to you. Raise your children intentionally, prayerfully, and faithfully.
Always remember that you are not alone in this assignment.
“Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised).”
Hebrews 10:23 (KJV)“Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it.”
1 Thessalonians 5:24 (KJV)“Behold, I send an Angel before thee, to keep thee in the way, and to bring thee into the place which I have prepared.”
Exodus 23:20 (KJV)
Keep seeking His counsel through His Word and in prayer. The God who entrusted these precious children to your care will supply the wisdom, grace, strength, and perseverance needed to raise them for His glory.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for entrusting children into our care. Help us to discern the seasons You have appointed and to make the most of every opportunity to raise our children in Your ways. Give us disciplined hearts, unwavering faith, and wisdom from above. May every seed of Your Word sown into the lives of our children produce a harvest of righteousness that will glorify You for generations to come. Strengthen every parent and guardian, and let our homes become places where Christ is honoured and Your truth is faithfully passed from one generation to another. In the mighty name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
Remain ever blessed. Jesus is Lord.
