Parents: Be Encouraged

Currently, we are learning how to parent a young adult. It has been interesting and challenging. We have found ourselves trying to navigate and adjust to our new role. It has gone from being less supervisory and more supportive which is a shift from parenting a young child. We are no longer the source of everything but have resumed more of a coaching role in our oldest son’s life. Although we trust the foundation of faith we have lain in his life, we are also aware that he will have to come into his purpose and identity to establish himself as a man. 

Years ago, a veteran teacher with whom I worked said something to me that I will never forget. She said, “There comes a time when you have to trust what you’ve raised.” Her words have been such a relief to me over the years as my children get older and even more so now in this new chapter of parents. 

My husband and I have had to constantly remind ourselves of Proverbs 22:6 which says, “Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” While attending a church youth event, we heard the Youth Pastor say, “It says, TRAIN A CHILD, not an adult.” Therefore, we have to make sure we are depositing God’s principles into our children when they are young and impressionable. Don’t get me wrong. As a parent, we will always have opportunities to sow seeds of faith into our children but it’s best to lay the foundation before they go out into the world. So, they will be equipped. Yes, trials will come. Yes, they will make poor decisions. Yes, their lives may not mirror anything we may have taught them but I believe in the word of God. I believe that His word is true. Do you? 

Deuteronomy 11:19 – And ye shall teach them your children, speaking of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.

Parents, we will make mistakes. I am sure that I have made plenty over the years and I have done my best to do better with each one of my children. However, there is no mistake we can make that is more powerful than the truths of God and His will for our lives and the lives of our dear children. Isn’t that good to know? 

Be encouraged. Stay prayerful. 

Let Us Pray:

Dear Father,

 We thank you for being who you are to us. We thank you for entrusting your precious angels into our care. We ask that just as you have so freely given them to us that we will have the heart to give them right back to you. Help us to trust that your promise of Jeremiah 29:11 will prove true in their lives. Give us wisdom to parent according to your truth. Remind us of what you have spoken when what we see in our children doesn’t look like your promises. Let us remember that just like you have worked in our lives and changed us, you can do the same for them. Father, keep them on your potter’s wheel and mold them into who you created them to be. Cover the areas in which we fall short with your grace and help us to give ourselves grace when we make mistakes. Furthermore, help us to extend the same grace you have given us to our children as they grow and develop. 

We thank you in advance by faith that you will do exceeding, abundantly above all we could ask or think. 

In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen. 

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