Be of Good Courage
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Photo Source: Richard0
Ever have one of those days when your child will not listen to reason?
Do you wonder if he will realize that you love him with all your heart and that you really do want his best, even if that means not giving him what he wants?
Ever feel like you are at your wit’s end as a mother?
I do. Often.
One night this week I was up late, after all the house was quiet, journaling to God. Writing letters to God is what I do when I’m upset. I guess you could call it “praying on paper.” And God uses it to help me think through the issues at hand and bring me comfort.
The particular “issue at hand” was all of the above. One of my children had been rebelling against any instruction. He would shoot himself in the foot if it would get him out of chores or school work.
He is bright, passionate, and determined, wonderful qualities that I thank God for. The flip side is that he can be extremely stubborn and unwilling to part with his plan. What I love best about him is also what causes us to battle.
Three Things to Remember
I was starting to despair when God brought three truths to mind:
1. He will never leave us or forsake us. (Hebrews 13:5)
2. He hand-picked my family, just for me. There are no accidents. And He made me the mom, with all the corresponding responsibilities. (Colossians 1:16)
4. I can do all things, through Him who gives me strength. (Philippians 4:13)
Thank you for the encouraging post that spoke to my heart today. I am also enjoying the recipes and tips.
Thank you so much for this post! It was very encouraging and just what I needed. Another verse that has encouraged me lately with child-rearing is “And let us not be weary in well doing, for in due season we shall reap if we faint not.” Galatians 6:9
I so needed this today. Thanks!!
Thank you for this. I don’t have teenagers yet, but I’m a leader of a youth group and it can get discouraging. Thank you for your wise words. My prayers go out to you. Hang in there. It’s worth it.
Excellent post Jessica! This is so true. Not even just in child rearing, though I often need to reminded in this area, but in all of our life.
However, it’s during these rough times that we turn to God and draw nearer to Him. When we are told, God doesn’t give us more than we can handle, I think it’s more, He doesn’t give us more than we can handle THROUGH Him. Because let’s face it, life, in and of itself, is more than we can usually handle on our own!
Thanks for the great reminder today! God is good, and He is in control.
Have a blessed day!
Dr. Laura
I also pray on paper. This works so well for me. Thanks for the positive encouragement because us Moms could certainly never get enough of it.
Bobbie
God does such a good job looking after us, doesn’t he?
I just wanted to write and say, hang in there. It’ sounds like your boy is a very strong willed child — which can be a very good thing although you may want to tear your hair out a lot more with him than the others : )
I was my mother’s strongest willed child and I am so very thankful that she hung in there even during the really hard times and didn’t take the easy route of letting me have my own way all the time. In time your son will feel the same way.
Blessings,
Trixie
That gets a big AMEN from me! Awesome truths!
Just came to look up a recipe I enjoy and found this post – perhaps I was led to it….. please see the post I just wrote at:
http://momovertheedge2009.blogspot.com/2010/05/on-raising-teens-melancholy-mood.html
thanks for your wisdom, encouragement, and reminder that our lives are part of a Master Plan.
laura