By Pastor Ryan Stockstrom

Harvest Church

Pastor Mark Batterson often says, “We drink from wells we did not dig, we eat from fields we did not plant, we live in houses we did not build, and we experience blessings we did nothing to deserve.”

He’s referring to when the Israelites entered the promised land God had given them. They walked in blessings they didn’t deserve—wells already dug, fields already planted, and houses already built. Once they took possession of the land, they enjoyed blessings they neither worked for nor earned.

Each of us today walks in blessings that are the result of those who came before us. Whether it’s spiritual leaders, parents, teachers, or those who gave their lives in the armed forces to purchase our freedom—most of the blessings we enjoy were at least partially paved by someone else’s sacrifice.

I know that I am the beneficiary of some amazing men and women of God.

In 2 Timothy 1:5, the Apostle Paul writes to his mentee, Timothy, about the faith passed down through generations:

“I am reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice, and I am persuaded, now lives in you also.”

Three generations of faith—grandparents, parents, and children. At our church, we recently celebrated 30 years of ministry. It was a joyful day to look back and reflect on all the Lord has done. Interestingly, we’ve also had three lead pastors over those years—Stan Birky, Joe Clauson, and myself.

And here’s something I’ve noticed:

The second generation walks in blessings the first didn’t, and the third generation walks in blessings the first and second didn’t. Each generation experiences blessings that earlier ones only dreamed of. The pioneers took risks and stepped out in faith. Because of their faithfulness, we now walk in blessings today.

I am deeply grateful for the men and women who went before me at Harvest and helped bring us to where we are. This generational pattern of faith is something all of us should consider.

Where are you in your generational line of faith?

My father was the first modern generation of Stockstroms to follow Jesus. He blazed a trail that my grandfather at the time didn’t understand. Through his and my mother’s faith, there are now many of us in the second and third generations following Christ. And through serving others, we believe many more will come to faith.

But it starts with one.

Maybe God has called you to be that pioneer in your family—to begin seeking the Lord while He may be found. It’s never too late to begin a godly legacy. The spiritual ground you take today will be noticed by those who come after you.  Maybe it starts with attending church, or beginning a habit of prayer and Bible reading.   Your last will and testament can carry a testimony.

Maybe you’re a second- or third-generation believer and not sure where you stand. I’d challenge you to dig a little deeper. There’s a reason those before you chose to follow Jesus—and it wasn’t out of ignorance. In fact, many of the most brilliant minds who shaped our world understood there is a God—and they knew they were not Him.

Boyle, Newton, Pascal, Descartes, and even Galileo viewed science and creation through the lens of a divine order. It was only through that perspective that their discoveries made sense.

Perhaps some who came before you and claimed Christ weren’t very Christlike toward you. While no generation has lived out Christianity perfectly, that doesn’t mean their faith was empty. All people are prone to sin, and even believers fall short. But true followers of Jesus acknowledge their failures and seek to change as they follow the perfect One. Don’t reject the divine simply because you haven’t seen it done perfectly. There is more. There is greater. Jesus is the greatest example of all. Look to Him.

And lastly, if—like me—you’ve been blessed with generations of godliness before you, do your best to pursue Jesus further. There is deeper blessing, greater freedom, and richer faith ahead.  And it’s not simply for you.

Run the race. Keep the faith. Pass it on.