God is our dream maker, and He promises to work all things together for good for those who love Him. Dreams come with challenges, disappointments, and sacrifice, but God can use them to prepare us for what He has planned. We must trust Him rather than trying to make things happen through our own efforts and manipulation.

Jacob and Esau’s story shows how the desire for a blessing can create hurt and division. Although God had promised Jacob the blessing, Jacob and his mother resorted to deception. We can make the same mistake when we strive and manipulate instead of trusting God to provide what He knows we need.

We can bless the children in our lives through affection, encouragement, and love. A hug, a kind touch, or simply spending time together communicates that they are valued. We must also use our words to build them up, reminding them that they are loved, important, and capable of facing life’s challenges.

We bless children by teaching them right from wrong, encouraging their gifts, and helping them discover who God created them to be. We must avoid favoritism and make sure our children know they are loved, rather than assuming they already understand how we feel.

Whether your children are young or grown, make sure they know they are loved. If you received your parents’ blessing, pass it along. If you did not, remember that your Heavenly Father calls you special, wonderfully made, and deeply loved. You can become the blessing you never received and make a difference for generations to come.

Scriptures— Romans 8:38 (NLT); Genesis 2:3(NLT), 12:2 (NRSVUE), 25:28 (NLT), 27:34-35 (GNT), 25:23 (NLT), 27:26-27 (MSG); Proverb 18:21 (MSG) 

Verses— We know that in all things God works for good with those who love him, those whom he has called according to his purpose. (Ro 8:28) Words kill, words give life; they’re either poison or fruit—you choose. (Pr 18:21) 

Questions – Why do we try to make things happen on our own rather than trusting God to provide for us? Did you receive your parents’ blessing? How does their blessing or lack of it impact a child’s future? What does the story of Jacob and Esau teach us about the danger of favoritism? What are some practical ways you can show the children in your life that they are valued, loved, and important? What impact do our words have on our children? 

Prayer – Dear God, help me to be a willing participant in your plan and know that I can trust You to guide my steps and make a way, I don’t have to do it on my own. Help my words to be life-giving and fruitful. May I encourage those around me and especially the children who are in my circle of influence. Thank you for blessing me so that I can be a blessing. Let that knowledge be at the forefront of my words and actions each day. In Jesus’ Name I pray, amen.