Jeremiah 1:5 – Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, [and] I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations.

Much like Hannah did for Samuel and much like Samson’s parents did for him, we found out yesterday that our parenting starts before the actual birth of that child. Hannah committed her son to the service of the Lord before he was even conceived. Samson’s mother was forbidden to drink strong drink or eat any unclean thing because of the promise that was in her womb. Let’s not forget the much-anticipated birth of even Isaac to Abraham and Sarah. Preparation for parenting must begin immediately. Prayerfulness, faithfulness, and preparedness are keys to helping your child become the promise God intended your child to be.

Who can forget the momentous occasion when Mary greeted her cousin Elizabeth who was still pregnant with Jesus’ cousin and forerunner John the Baptist, “And it came to pass, that, when Elisabeth heard the salutation of Mary, the babe leaped in her womb; and Elisabeth was filled with the Holy Ghost.” (Luke 1:41)  Evidently, this connection, while yet to happen physically, transcended the womb and caused John to leap within Elizabeth!Don’t let lethargy, weakness, or a feeble spirit interfere with your child being a success in the Lord. Each generation should be setting up the next for success. Each generation should be holding up the hands of the next. Rather than decaying in principles, values, and morality, if parents embraced the will and direction of the Lord for their children, we would be raising generations that would do even greater exploits than this present generation.

Think about it Mom and Dad – David was forbidden to build the temple for God, but that didn’t stop him from setting up the next generation! What will you do today dear mother who has the promise yet in her womb to ensure your child walks in the richness of God’s grand design for their life? What will you do dear father to set up the generation of promise that is still nesteled in the womb of your beloved wife?

Parenting begins the moment you conceive. God has already ordained a future for that child. Embrace the promise. Set the child up for success. Love God and be faithful to Him. Be prepared to train up the child in the way he must go.

God bless you parents – whether your child of promise has been fully birthed or yet to arrive.