Fighting for the Next Generation
“But Jehosheba, the daughter of King Jehoram and sister of Ahaziah, took Joash son of Ahaziah and stole him away from among the royal princes, who were about to be murdered. She put him and his nurse in a bedroom to hide him from Athaliah; so he was not killed.” 2 Kings 11:2
When Athaliah rose to power, she did the unthinkable. In order to protect her throne, she murdered her own grandchildren, the royal seed. Yet one child, Joash, was hidden away in a room for six years until the time came for him to step into his God-given destiny. This story holds three powerful lessons for us as parents and believers today.
The enemy is ruthless. Satan does not fight fair. He does not spare the young or the innocent. Just as Athaliah turned on her grandchildren, the enemy seeks to destroy our children without mercy. He wants to confuse their minds, distort their identities, and rob them of their future. We cannot negotiate with him. We must be willing to fight in prayer and faith for the souls of our children.
The enemy targets potential. Athaliah’s attack was not random. She aimed at the royal seed because they were destined to sit on the throne. In the same way, Satan sees what God has planted in your children — future pastors, teachers, leaders, missionaries, and world changers. He knows their potential to tear down his kingdom, so he tries to stop them while they are young. What we see as “cute” or “innocent,” hell sees as a threat.
The hiding starts at home. Before Joash was hidden in the temple, he was hidden in the home. Parents and grandparents, your home is the first line of defense. Guard what your children watch, what they hear, and what they are exposed to. Surround them with prayer, Scripture, and godly love so that their roots grow deep. They may be young seedlings now, but one day they will be transplanted into the world. If they are rooted in Christ, they will stand strong.
Satan does not spare children. He sees their innocence, their beauty, and their potential to destroy his kingdom, and he wants to snuff it out early. But while the enemy schemes, God is raising up parents and grandparents who know how to hide their children in prayer, in the Word, and in the house of God.
Hiding does not mean sheltering them from reality forever. It means giving them a place of safety to grow deep roots before they face the storms of life. It means guarding their eyes, guarding their ears, and building walls of faith around their hearts. Hell may see future addicts and broken lives, but heaven sees preachers, teachers, leaders, and worshippers.
Your children are full of untapped potential waiting to impact the world for Christ.
Prayer: Father, I thank You for the gift of children. Open my eyes to see the battle for their souls and give me strength to fight with prayer and faith. Help me guard my home, protect their hearts, and nurture their potential for Your kingdom. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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