Yesterday morning, I dropped my princess off at a new high school, and although it broke my heart to see her struggle–to see her uncomfortable–I’m holding tight to the wise words texted to me by my mentor and dear friend, SandyT (waving). This new challenge is but another opportunity for her (and I) to learn how sufficient God’s grace is and how faithfully present He is.
It has also been an increased opportunity for prayer and family unity. Our family has prayed more in the past two days than we typically do in a week. What a blessing! What an opportunity to show our daughter how to draw close to God during times of fear and uncertainty! She’s seen my husband–a strong man, humble himself before God as he prays on behalf of his little girl.
This new encounter will also be an opportunity for our daughter to meditate on God’s goodness and faithfulness, to take her thoughts captive and focus on His truth instead of the insecurities raging within her.
Parenting can be hard. Our hearts want to shield, protect, but at times, God says, “Let go.” When we do, we enable our children to see God’s provisions first hand.
Yes, today will be a challenge for her, but it will also be a tremendous blessing for her to live out and rest in her faith and to see God show Himself strong and faithful on her behalf.
To all the other mommas having to release the reigns today, remember, God loves your child even more than you do, and He’s got a plan in every step, every struggle, every change.
The next time you or your child faces a difficult situation, pause to consider the words in Psalm 91:1-7
Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High
will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
2 I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress,
my God, in whom I trust.”
3 Surely he will save you
from the fowler’s snare
and from the deadly pestilence.
4 He will cover you with his feathers,
and under his wings you will find refuge;
his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.
5 You will not fear the terror of night,
nor the arrow that flies by day,
6 nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness,
nor the plague that destroys at midday.
7 A thousand may fall at your side,
ten thousand at your right hand,
but it will not come near you.
Pray for God’s guidance. There may be times when He is indeed calling you to protect or redirect. Other times, He may be asking you to let go–to release your children fully in His care. And yet, even then, there are things you can do.
1. Talk with your child about things of faith
2. Remind them of God’s promises recorded in Scripture
3. Help them to remember God’s faithfulness demonstrated in the past
4. Listen without judgement or condemnation
5. Offer to pray with them
6. Faithfully pray for them
And once God shows up–and He will–rejoice with them, once again reminding them of God’s promises, this time, focusing on how God fulfilled them in *this recent struggle.*
Are you facing a long, difficult journey today? Throughout Scripture, God reminds His people to remember all He has done. Remembering God’s faithfulness–contemplating all the times He pulled through–can be a powerful peace-inducer in difficult times.
During times of struggle, it’s easy to lose perspective–to allow the struggle dominate our thinking. When we do that, the problem looms bigger and bigger, but when we avert our thinking and focus on the goodness, wisdom, and power of God, our problems are placed in proper perspective–in God’s hands. Then we can view our current struggle–can help our children to view their current struggle–as an opportunity to see God’s power revealed.
Let’s talk about this! 
Join us Saturday at Living by Grace as we talk about finding blessings on the journey.
I’m struggling with my writing now. But yes God has a plan for me in every step. Thanks for this reminder.
Holy Father, I pray that you would surround and encourage Dicky. I pray you, the author and finisher of our faith, the God of all creativity who created a beautiful world from nothing, the God who formed our minds and blessed us with gifts so we could bring glory to your name and share you love, would bless Dicky with creativity, energy, and time to write. Unfold your story through him. In the name of Your precious, victorious Son I pray, amen.
I understand where she’s at, having changed high schools three times. But I made friends in several places and looking back, I actually did better in my studies because I really dug in…at school and church…
Wow, Jennifer, that must have been hard! And that says a lot about you–turning your struggle into a triumph. 🙂 and what a blessing you had a church to connect with each move. That has been our biggest blessung here. God led us to a winderful church. I can’t imagine trying to go through a move or any other challenge without havibg the support of a church family.
You and your family are in my prayers. Some of the most difficult situations in my life led to some of the most amazing times of personal growth. I hope the same will be said by your daughter as she looks back on this transition!
I too (like Dicky) am struggling with my writing. Perhaps it is simply a summer lull and my mind is busy storing up good ideas while I wait for my writing mojo to return.
God bless you!
Thanks, Audrey. She actually had a great day and prayed with thanksgiving at dinner, recognizing that God went with her through school today. 🙂 Loved hearing her connect those dots.
I just finished praying for you, but I’d like to pray “with” you now.
Holy Father, I pray that you would surround Audrey. I pray that as she sits to write, as she seeks to honor You with the gift You gave her, I pray You would surround her in perfect peace. I pray You would remove any discouragement or anxiety and that you draw her close, whispering words of creativity in her ear. Lord, I pray her words on the page would flow straight from Your heart, and I thank You that you have a glorious plan for her and her gifts and that even now, as I type this, You are working behind the scenes to bring her exactly where You want her, in Your perfect timing.
Hugs, sweet sister!
Thank you for your prayer I felt your compassion and His presence through you and your words.
God bless you for reaching out to me!
Hugs!
Thank you Jennifer! I needed this reminder today! Especially no. 4 and 5 of your six things to remember. How can I forget the most important thing? God is so patient. God bless you!
Susan, I am glad God used this post to encourage you. I am about to take Ash to school, but on my drive home I will be praying for yiu and that God provides you with His perfect wisdom for whatever you are facing/praying about. Hugs sweet sister!
Beautiful thoughts! Blessings to your daughter 🙂
Thank you, Katie! And may God abundantly bless you and yours today. 🙂