I have prayed for him. My husband has prayed for him. We have both prayed with him. We have talked with him separately and together. We have talked to each other about this particular issue. I have talked with an adult who can help, to an extent. Really, at this point, there is nothing else to be done. But as I sat with my steaming cup of strong black (okay, not so strong...it is still decaf) cup of coffee earlier, I realized what I want for my son more than anything in this situation: I want him to know and feel, with certainty, that God is with Him. Isn't that just it? No matter what I'm going through, big or small, tragic or trivial, I want to know that God is with me! And if I know and can feel that His presence is with me, I am okay! I know that everything will eventually be okay.
We cannot, as parents, interject ourselves into every situation our child deals with. We cannot come to their rescue at every difficult moment. No matter how much we may want to, we cannot possibly shelter them from every tough battle they go through. We can and should seek God for wisdom, help, and protection. But at some point, we have to be willing to turn them over completely to God's care. He is the only one who can be with them at all times. No, He doesn't always keep them from problems and difficult circumstances, but He will be with them. That is the one truth that I want each of my children to know with complete certainty. I want them to know that God is with them.
So, as I take another sip of my semi-strong black cup of coffee, I am encouraging myself with these promises from God's word. I'd like to encourage you as well. These are the promises that I'm praying over my son as he faces another day. These are the promises I want my youngest daughter to know as she cries "but I'm gonna miss you!" again while heading out to the bus. These are the promises I want my oldest daughter to know as she musters the courage to ride bare-back at horse riding lessons for the first time. These are the promises that I want each of my children to know, deep in their soul...
"Yes, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me." Psalm 23:4
"Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand." Isaiah 41:10
"...And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." Matthew 28:20
"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go." Joshua 1:9
*I am having Coffee For Your Heart with my friend Holley Gerth today.
So true. He is with our children all the time and we want them to know. Thank you for writing. I love the verses too. Since our oldest (now 16) started school, we have prayed Joshua 1:9. "May you be strong and courageous, [Annie]. Never terrified or discouraged because God is with you wherever you go!" Sometimes as they jump out of the car now or head to the bus, we just get out "Be strong and courageous!" Such comfort to us and to them to know He is with us and gives us strength.
ReplyDeleteI love that, Loralee! I wish we would have assigned a specific verse right from the very beginning. I do pray with my kids daily before they get on the bus. Good habits to remind them of God's presence! By the way, I may just have to try your recipe for homemade chocolate sauce~sounds yummy!
ReplyDeleteAs parents we have to instill that in our kids' hearts. God is always with them, and that is good because we won't be.
ReplyDeleteMy Mom used to tell the story of when I was little. One night my parents had friends over and I didn't want to go to sleep. She told me Jesus was with me. I replied "I love Jesus but I need people." I am so thankful that I now understand how significant that is!
Such truth in that too Sarah! We should be "Jesus with skin on" to those around us. :)
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