Proverbs 24:16
'The godly may trip seven times, but they will get up again.' - We don't always do the right thing. - We make mistakes and we can fall along the path of life. - But that is not the end of the road. - Every time we fall, we can trust that God will pick us up and help us stand. PRAYER: Lord, thank You that even though I make mistakes and fall, You will come and help me to be able to stand again. I may fall down, but You will lift me up. Amen. John 16:33
'I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have peace.' - God does not want you to be worried and distressed. - Every word that the Lord gives us is meant to bring us peace. - Things around you may look challenging. - But you and I must find our peace in Him. PRAYER: Lord, I receive Your peace in my heart and life right now. I will not look at circumstances with fear and trepidation, but I will look to You and find my peace in You. Amen. At times every parent despairs over their child's decisions and actions. 'I did my best to bring them up correctly; did I fail as a parent?' Failure is a fact of life - and of parenting - and nobody does it perfectly! Consider some Bible examples of real-world parenting: Isaac had, at best, a 50 percent success rate with his sons, Jacob and Esau. Aaron struck out completely with Nadab and Abihu. Manoah's boy Samson didn't win the 'son-of-the-year award'! And Samuel, a recognised moral and spiritual giant, watched his sons reject his example and teaching and pursue lives of bribery and shame. Since Adam, children 'doing their own thing' have broken their parents' hearts! So what is a parent to do?
1) Realise you're not responsible for their decisions. They make their own choices. Condemning yourself just discourages you, and it undermines your ability to be the parent they need. The Bible says, '...Salvation is of the Lord' (Jonah 2:9 NJKV). He saves and delivers - not you. 2) Pray for them and give them to God. Anxiety and frustration will only make you the kind of parent they don't enjoy being around, and who can't enjoy them. You're not built to carry such a load; your heavenly Father is, and He wants to carry it for you! (1 Peter 5:7). 3) Remember that God loves them more than you do! He gave His only child to save yours. He knows their heart, and how to reach it and turn it toward Him. So give your child to Him! Soul food: 1 Jn 3:11 - 5:21; Lk. 11:1-13; Ps 78:40-55; Prov. 20:4-6 |