Book: Your Family Is God's Plan

Author: Ray & Jeni Ortlund

Age range: 3–8 years
Type: Christian / Picturebook

What is this book about?

Your Family Is God's Plan celebrates the gift of family and shows how God has worked through families from the beginning of the Bible until today. Through stories from Scripture and examples of everyday families, children learn that their family is part of God's loving plan and that each member has an important place within it.

The book encourages children to see God's faithfulness from one generation to the next and reminds them that He is still at work in families today.

Why we recommend it

This is a warm and encouraging book that helps children value the family God has given them.

Rather than presenting family as simply where we live, it shows that families are one of God's good gifts and one of the primary places where faith is nurtured and passed on. It opens up natural conversations about belonging, loving one another, and following Jesus together.

It is especially well suited for family devotions and households wanting to build a Christ-centred home.

Main lessons & themes

Family is God's good gift
God's faithfulness through generations
Belonging and identity
Loving and serving one another
Passing on the Christian faith
God's purpose for every family
Trusting God's plans

Faith Focus

This book reminds children that God has always worked through families to accomplish His purposes. From the families we meet in Scripture to our own homes today, God calls us to love Him, love one another, and pass on His truth to the next generation.

It also encourages children to see themselves as an important part of God's story, with opportunities to know Him and make Him known within their own family.

Bible connection:

Deuteronomy 6:6–7 — Teach God's commands to your children
Psalm 78:4–7 — Tell the next generation of God's works
Ephesians 6:1–4 — Growing together in the Lord
2 Timothy 1:5 — Faith passed from one generation to another

Questions to ask your child

What makes our family special?
Why do you think God gives us families?
What does this book teach us about God?
How can we love and serve one another at home?
How can our family help others know about Jesus?

Ways to use it at home

Simple ideas:

Read it during family devotions and talk about your own family story
Read the Bible passages mentioned in the book together
Create a simple family tree and thank God for each generation
Pray together for grandparents, parents, siblings, and future generations
Choose one practical way your family can show God's love to someone else this week

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