I believe that parents can begin even in the womb to establish God’s Word in their children (From the Womb to the Tomb). We all hope to have a preventative role with our children rather than a recovery role. But there are no guarantees that they will make all the right choices even when we have laid a firm foundation in the Lord. We just have to be there to pick them up when they fall (no matter what age they are) and continue to love, pray for, and encourage them in the Way they should go.
Parenting is difficult, demanding, and at times discouraging when all our hard work seems less than enough to guard our children from making detrimental choices. We get tired, disheartened, and disgruntled with the Lord at times. But God continues to love us and to teach us through it all.
A few weeks ago my friend Lisa shared with me briefly how God is leading her in this journey. I asked her to share some of her story in hopes that other moms will be encouraged.
“Recently I’ve read the book Power in Praise and it has really changed the way I view my circumstances. You see, I have two children who have been caught up in addiction for many years, and I have begged and begged my Lord to remove this from their lives. I’ve also spent a lot of time grumbling and murmuring and feeling sorry for myself. But never once have I thanked Him for it.
One afternoon reading and having my quiet time, it hit me like a bolt of lightening – what if we’ve been stuck in this valley not because of the addiction, but because of me!! That’s why the Israelites wondered for 40 years.
Today I choose to thank God for the addiction and for the wonderful men my boys will become because of it. I also thank Him for the growth my husband and I have already experienced.
1Thessalonians 5:18 tells us to give thanks in all circumstances, not just on good days!
On a side note, one son has three months clean and the other son continues to keep getting back up! YAY GOD!”
Lisa would be glad to talk with anyone going through similar problems with their children. You can contact her at: lisa.giddens@yahoo.com We must encourage each other (1 Thessalonians 4:18)
If you want to read more words of encouragement, check out the other blog posts on this site for hurting parents: http://www.trainupthechild.org/?s=help+for+Hurting+Parents
There was a time when Billy and Ruth Graham were hurting parents because of their son Franklin. God brought them and Franklin through the trying years and we have seen Franklin become such a man of God, just like his dad. Check out his autobiography Rebel With A Cause
Parents, be encouraged, thank the Lord for the struggles, and don’t grow weary in well doing.
Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving.
Colossians 4:2
So let’s not get tired of doing what is good.
At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up.
Galatians 6:9
