Seek First: Holy Sweat

Partnering with the Potter requires “holy sweat,” as author Tim Hansel calls it in his book by that title. “Holy sweat is the active melding of the spiritual and the earthy, the holy and the physical, a profound paradox that lies at the very heart of this life we call Christian” (Holy Sweat). If we are going to join God in the mighty task of shaping “marvelously made” children, then we must meld our daily duties as parents with the holy plans of God.

Sound difficult? It is if we don’t exert a little holy sweat. Left to our own wisdom and imperfect methods of parenting, we will default to the “earthly” rather than the spiritual (see Romans 7:14-25). But if we invite the Holy Spirit to guide us in truth and open our eyes to the masterpieces in progress, we will discover the thrill of parenting in partnership with a Holy God. “The holy is within us, waiting to pour out of us, and … it’s much more accessible than we ever would have thought. It’s grace with blisters….” (Hansel).

Spending time with God is one of the best ways to join Him in the high call of parenting. When we spend time in God’s word, the Holy Spirit can reveal to us God’s thoughts and his plans. As today’s scripture proclaims, God longs to confide in those who love Him (Psalm 25:14).

What a relief to find a partner in parenting who knows our children better than we do and loves them unfathomably more! In the words of Gary Thomas, “God want to be very active in our parenting. He sees into our children’s hearts. God will reveal secret fears, silent struggles, and even cloaked dreams. I can’t imagine parenting without God’s input. It is such a blessing not to merely guess what is happening but instead to have the benefit of listening to the God who knows my children better than they know themselves. It’s truly exciting to live out what the disciples experienced in Mark 16:20– ‘The Lord worked with them'” (Devotions for Sacred Parenting 136-137).

Parent’s Pondering: What can I do to allow God to be MORE ACTIVE in my parenting? Name a present situation in which you could use some Holy Spirit wisdom and invite the Lord to share His mind and heart on the matter. Don’t forget to carve out time to listen once you ask!