During my time in Kiev, Ukraine, I was working with, living with and doing life with girls a lot younger than me and there were times when I just wanted some friends that could relate to me and the place I was in at the time. I was 40, single and in a foreign country. I recall standing in my kitchen and crying out to God for friends my own age, but I was only surrounded by young women. God’s response to me was “serve them”. I was stunned! That wasn’t the answer I was looking for or expecting. But, what a revelation!!

If generations are important to God, then surely, generations should be important to me!

You don’t need to be past a certain age to impact the next generation. Don’t be deceived into thinking that you have nothing to offer. There is always someone younger than you that needs what you have.

Some questions I’ve asked myself are:

To be the woman that extends my hand to the next generation, what do I need to do? What do I need to be? What do I need to say? What do I need to believe? What does the next generation need from me? How can I serve them?

The next generation needs me to set an example! (Titus 2:3-5)

There are some really practical things that I can do, such as having an outward focus that ensures I seek out the next generation. I can listen to them, make time for them, speak life and encouragement to them. I can believe in them and have a servant heart towards them, but as an older woman in God’s house, I have a responsibility to let them know God’s heart is towards the generations!

The next generation needs to know of God’s unfailing love! (Deut. 5:10 & Exod. 20:6)

The next generation needs to know that God’s covenant with them is everlasting, and that He will ALWAYS be their God! (Gen. 17:7)

The next generation needs to know that miracles await them! (Psalm 71:8)

The next generation needs to know that God is faithful to ALL generations! (Psalm 100:5 & 119:90)

The next generation needs to know that God is unchanging from generation to generation! (Lam. 5:19)

The next generation needs to know that they have been called (summoned) by God! (Is. 41:4)

The next generation needs to know that God is forever on His throne! (Psalm 102:12)

The next generation are growing up in a world that is rapidly changing, transient, temporary and disposable. The only constant is GOD!

**Scriptures mentioned are below from the NLT Bible.

Titus 2:3-5 says: “Similarly, teach the older women to live in a way that honours God. They must not slander others or be heavy drinkers. Instead they should teach others what is good. These older women must train the younger women to love their husbands and their children, to live wisely and be pure, to work in their homes and do good, and to be submissive to their husbands. Then they will not bring shame on the word of God”

Deuteronomy 5:10 & Exodus 20:6 both say: “But I lavish unfailing love for a thousand generations on those who love me and obey my commands”

Genesis 17:7 says: “I will confirm my covenant with you and your descendants after you, from generation to generation. This is the everlasting covenant: I will always be your God and the God of your descendants after you”

Psalm 71:18 says: “Let me proclaim your power to this new generation, your mighty miracles to all who come after me.”

Psalm 100:5 says: “For the Lord is good. His unfailing love continues forever, and His faithfulness continues to each generation.”

Psalm 119:90 says: “Your faithfulness extends to every generation.”

Lamentations 5:19 says: “But Lord, you remain the same forever! Your throne continues from generation to generation.”

Isaiah 41:4 says: “Who has done such mighty deeds, summoning each new generation from the beginning of time?”

Psalm 102:12 says: “ But you, O Lord will sit on your throne forever. Your fame will endure to every generation.”