Sometimes parents, mothers especially, are like bears with cubs about their children. We’ll do just about anything to protect them. When something happens to one of our kids, our hearts drop and those protective instincts can go into overdrive. Some of us go a little overboard and find it difficult to pull back. We try to micromanage their lives, or keep them from failing. It’s understandable. Experience has taught us how costly mistakes can be. A person can do something in their adolescent years, and consequences linger well into adulthood. No parent wants this for their child.
Proverbs 22:6 (NKJV) tells us to “Train up a child in the way he should go, And when he is old he will not depart from it.” We should make every effort to teach our children the Word of God. In combination with loads of prayer, this is the absolute best thing that we can do for our kids. It’s important to communicate Christian values through conversations and biblical lessons, but modeling Godly behavior and attitudes by the way that we, as their parents, live our daily lives is going to be the best teacher.
As parents, we have to accept the reality that in spite of all we do, our children are going to make their own mistakes. A family friend phoned me recently, and he was upset because he had gotten a call from his son’s school; it wasn’t the first time. On this occasion, he was asked to meet with the principal. During the meeting, when he heard about what had transpired, he was even more upset. The ramifications of his son’s behavior could negatively impact his future in a major way, and his father is at his wit’s end.
Situations like these are probably some of the most challenging for a parent, but we must remember that in every situation, God is in control. Ephesians 6:16(NLT) tells us, “In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil.” We must be wise and understand that we have a responsibility as parents to trust God for the protection, care, and covering of our children. There are many in today’s society that think they have the answer, but God knows the answer to every problem, and He is willing and able to solve them.
It is shocking to see the number of children that come from Christian homes, but they don’t know how to pray. Now, more than ever, it is so important to pray with our children and teach them to pray for themselves. They should know the Lord’s Prayer in Matthew 6:9-13, because it helps them develop an attitude of humility and respect for Heavenly Father.
We don’t have to be overbearing or overprotective when our hearts are to honor God by raising children according to His Word. Ephesians 6:4 (NLT) says, “Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger by the way you treat them. Rather, bring them up with the discipline and instruction that comes from the Lord.” Children are gifts from God, but we must never forget that they belong to Him, and if we will diligently dedicate them to the Lord in prayer and have faith, they will be blessed according to His Will.
Scripture taken from the New King James Version. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, Illinois 60189. All rights reserved.
“Covering Your Child in Prayer”, written by Kim Times, edited by Reverend Fran Mack for Sundie Morning Sistas ©2018. All rights reserved. All done to the glory of God through Jesus Christ, our Lord! SMS is dedicated to inspiring and encouraging Christian Women through the Word of God.