By: Melinda Walker
When we dedicated our first daughter to the Lord, we never imagined how God was going to use her. We simply trusted in Him to help us lead and guide her to where she is today.
I never thought one of my girls would be led to be a foreign missionary, especially to Japan. But God knew what He was doing when He gave her several opportunities to go on mission trips when she was younger.
I have always prayed that both of my girls would be in the center of God’s will. So, when the time came for God to send them somewhere else, I had to let them go. God gave them to me for a season and that season was over. I had to remember that it’s God’s will – not mine – for their lives that is most important. I know they are safer in God’s will than anywhere else.
One of the most important things you can do for your children is to pray for them. Pray that they follow God’s will to be whatever He wants them to be (a missionary, pastor/pastor’s wife, nurse, teacher, trash collector, etc.). Also pray that God will help you to accept His will for their lives. If they are interested in missions, don’t be afraid to let them explore the possibilities. God will lead them to where they need to be and you just need to stay out of the way.
It’s never easy letting your child go. There’s that fear of the unknown. But I know my girls are where they are supposed to be (Abby in Japan & Sydney in Tennessee), and I couldn’t be prouder.
“I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.” 3 John 1:4 (KJV)
About the Author: Melinda Walker is the wife of Darren Walker, pastor of First FWB church in Washington, NC. She is the mother of Abby Walker (Japan) and Sydney McClure (TN). She works at East Carolina University College of Nursing as the assistant director for the simulation labs. She loves coffee, chocolate, HGTV, her 2 dogs and 2 cats, and the Arkansas Razorbacks.
Shine! 