20-20 EP3 - Arrows That Fly True

Modern family life often feels chaotic and overwhelming, leading many parents to question their choices and wonder if their imperfect families can ever measure up. However, the Bible offers hope through numerous examples of dysfunctional families who still played important roles in God's plan. The key insight is understanding that families don't exist merely for themselves, but for God's kingdom purposes. The story of Isaac's family in Genesis 27 illustrates what happens when families turn inward and parents use children as extensions of themselves. Isaac and Rebecca's favoritism created competition between Jacob and Esau, leading to deception, lost inheritance, and family fracture. This contrasts sharply with God's design revealed to Abraham in Genesis 12, where families are meant to be blessings to all nations, not just themselves. Psalm 127 provides the powerful metaphor of children as arrows in a warrior's quiver. Just as arrows are designed to be aimed and released rather than hoarded, children must be intentionally prepared for their eventual launch into the world. This requires daily spiritual formation through regular conversations about faith, balanced correction that trains rather than provokes, and the establishment of family devotions and mission statements. The goal isn't perfection but faithfulness in preparing these arrows to fly straight and true when released.