Granddaughter and Christianity
When my granddaughter was born, my son (WELS baptized) informed me that she would not be forced into religion...she could choose, later in life, whether to believe or not to believe. While this response was very troublesome to me at that time (and still is), I chose to place her into God's hand through prayer, which I have continued to do through the years. I did not want to alienate my son and his family by repeatedly bringing up the subject (although from time to time I encouraged them to attend church services or talk with a pastor), as they themselves weren't affiliated with any church. This spring I felt urged by God to confront my granddaughter regarding her faith, since she graduated from high school. Her answer was that she had only a little experience with Christianity and it was not really that all that important to her. I tried to impress upon her the reality of God, heaven, and hell - sharing the law and gospel with her. Yet, she would not budge from her stance (of unimportance). She will be going to college this fall. What more can I do for her? She remains in my prayers.
By praying for her, you are doing much. Prayer is “powerful and effective” (James 5:16). Changing hearts is the Holy Spirit’s work. Keep praying that the Spirit uses any contact your granddaughter has with the gospel of Jesus Christ to change her heart. She cannot choose to believe in Jesus. No one can do that (John 15:16).
With the Spirit’s work in mind, do what you can to share Scripture with her. Maybe it’s a matter of emailing her a link to a devotion. The WELS web site has numerous devotions available. You will find good resources on the What About Jesus? web site maintained by our synod’s Commission on Evangelism.
When you do have face-to-face contact with your granddaughter, ask her questions about school and life. Your responses—with scriptural references and inferences—can be perceived as being more natural than sharing biblical truths without context.
Finally, don’t underestimate your Christian example. While the apostle Peter’s words are in the context of married life, his instruction about witnessing “without words” (1 Peter 3:1) has application in life in general. God bless you and your granddaughter.