You're not alone in parenting...you've got God!

You're not alone in parenting...you've got God; He's got everything covered, but you don't. You will never have it all together-your best plans will fall short. All your efforts will never be enough-only God's hope is enough. This isn't meant to discourage you-it's to encourage you to hope in Him verses hoping in your strength, resources or circumstances...inevitably you come to an end, but God's hope never ends. Teach your children how to call on the name of Jesus! Let your children see you guard your time with Him- explaining this is where you receive love & where He gives you His confidence to face hard things in life. Don't say, "all we can do is pray," instead say, "we have the privilege to pray-to enter the throne room of God Almighty & to be heard!" Walk out what you believe every day. Explain Jesus has overcome & conquered anything they will ever face-that doesn't exempt them from lonely times, being ridiculed or rejected, or having unfair things happen to them...but they can count on God's love to victoriously move them through each one of these trials. Let them know you've been given the honor to parent them, that you know God has good plans for them & they've got what it takes...not because of what they do, but because of Who lives in them! Don't try to be the all knowing parent-you will back yourself into a corner. Be vulnerable-let them know you don't have all the answers, but your Father God does & you're confident He will lead you in the right direction. Showing children you don't have all the answers, but rely on God for all your answers, is a powerful model of Prov 3:5-6 "not leaning on your own understanding, but in all your ways, acknowledge Him & He will make your path straight." This Proverb teaches a child early on how to trade out reasoning for God's truth. Let them know you will always speak God's truth because He's entrusted you to do so & there's enough love in you supplied by God Himself to handle their anger towards you. Tell them you've been given the honor to parent them, but they belong to God & that makes you feel safe...because He's the greatest Superhero of all time! Be honest when they ask questions-explain things happen you can't control...but God's always in control & your confidence is in Him. Explain God doesn't promise they will not face danger, but He does promise, He will be with them during the danger. God commands His angels to watch over children-He's before all things & holds everything together. You're not alone in parenting...you've got God. Your children can call on the name of Jesus! Will you hope in Him for all you need? (Jn 16:33, Isa 41:13, Dan 3:27, Isa 41:13, Ps 91:11-12, Col 1:17) 11/20/12LMM #CIFL