Trust the Tracks from the Past

Written by Sylvia Schroeder, blogger of When the House is Quiet

One of my missionary colleagues gave me an illustration of life in the jungle. It held a punch that I hope I never forget. South American roads at times are little more than frequently trodden paths, unpaved and unmarked.

When hard rains come, those dirt paths become like sinking mud pits. My friend, who was single at the time, shared about an instance where she drove her four-wheel-drive vehicle through the slick and treacherous terrain. As she spoke, I pictured her dilemma, alone in unfriendly territory, uncertain and vulnerable.

“I didn’t know if I could get through,” she remembered. “But when I saw fresh tracks on the other side of the road coming my way, I knew it was ok to continue,” she said. “As long as someone had been where I was heading and drove through to where I was, I knew I could get to where they had been.” 

Dear grandparents, this is our testimony to generations on the path of life. We are like the tracks coming from the other side, showing our children and grandchildren where we have been. Even though our past tracks may have been slippery at times or even gotten off the path, we demonstrate by our lives that they too can get through the obstacles they face.

Where we stand today gives courage for the journey and builds assurance they can make it to the other side. This is possible as we proceed with solid biblical faith in Jesus Christ.

Perhaps one of the greatest disservices of our generation is the high honor we’ve given to a plethora of voices, good and other, rather than being devoted students of God’s Word.

When my children were young, I was concerned with the evolution theory taught in school, as well as the sex education and political science. I gained valuable resources and insight from other experts, often using them to validate the Bible.

How much better it would have been to use God’s Word as the ultimate authority! Often, the church is more familiar with the positions of leaders of faith rather than the originator and finisher of our faith.  

My grandchildren’s parents face things far beyond what I dealt with as a parent. In elementary, middle, and senior high school my grandchildren have been confronted with peers and close friends who have embraced bisexuality and trans-gender choices. Educational curriculum touts woke, cancel culture, and critical race theory. Those issues and pressures come not just from a school, but from other Christian families as well.

How will future generations navigate the slippery roads ahead?

When my husband and I served as overseas missionaries, we found God’s Word spoke to people when read with an open heart and humble spirit. The Bible speaks for itself. It reaches into hearts far more effectively than man’s words ever could.

After all, God tells us His Word is alive and active, sharper than any two-edged sword. After we are gone, our grandchildren will need this unshakeable foundation built on God and His Word. May our words convey His Words.

Generations have no anchor when truth becomes subjective. We are blessed in this culture and language to have so many tools which encourage spiritual growth. Not all cultures have such an abundance, yet their place is secondary to the inspired infallible truth.

^“So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.” Col 2:6-7 NIV

We’re not done yet. How we grandparent stems from our connection to Christ. Dedicate time to personal Bible reading digging deep and increasing your understanding through the power of the Holy Spirit. Then share what God is teaching you with others, especially your grandchildren.  

Jesus expresses this so clearly in John 17:17 as He prays for the disciples that He will soon leave as well as the ones yet to come: ^“Sanctify them by the truth; Your Word is truth.” (NIV) 

Jesus is speaking about the truth embodied within all of Scripture. The Greek word “truth,” is a noun, not an adjective. ‘Alethia’ (truth) distinguishes from something describing or containing God’s Word. There is no other criterion of truth to be tested and compared against. Rather, it is the standard of truth itself.

Our children, grandchildren, and we are in desperate need of immutable truth to stand in the hurricane winds of a godless society.  

We don’t need to make the Bible cool. It already is. Grandparents have the privilege of opening it up like a desirable flower for our grandchildren to see the beauty already there. “Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in Your law.” Psalm 119:18 NIV

God’s Word is completely relevant to society today. It still should excite us personally, bringing wonder and passion. It is relevant and valid for the practical down-to-earth issues every age faces.

Let’s be known as lovers of God and His Word. Maybe you are thinking you have not done this very well, but it is not too late to begin.

There are stories of those who have gone before in God’s Word – some got off track but with God’s help found the path back and finished well. Seek to leave spiritual tracks that your children and grandchildren can follow. Even if you wandered off the path, praise God He calls us back and can use it for His glory.

God’s Word marks the path and all we have to do is follow. May your path – your journey – beckon others to come, stay on the path, and follow – for the way is good and leads to life eternal!

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Editor’s Note: Do you desire to improve your intentionality in passing on your journey of faith with your children and grandchildren? Do you desire to connect with other grandparents who have challenges and need encouragement? Learn more about our National Grandparenting Summit here!