Although I'm see some good changes in my son, it's hard not to notice the things that are not changing, the things that still cause me concern; attitudes and opinions that are far from the will of God! And I know it's true with some of the moms of the young men around me. Sometimes our boys do things that can make you say, "really, God?" But, God is so good! At these moments, I feel the Lord reminding me....
"Be anxious for NOTHING, but in prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God." Phill 4:6
Our sons are really no different than us in many ways. They push limits, try things they shouldn't, rebel against authority, seek the flesh rather then spirit at times. Hmmm, sound familiar? I had to smile when I realized how much I can be like a stubborn teenager at times when it comes to my relationship with the Lord. And just as the Lord is gracious and patient with us, He is the same with our sons, as we should be as well. And of course we need discernment. Obviously, breaking the rules requires consequences. But it's important to keep it all in perspective. Is this a serious life changing choice he's making? Or is he simply pushing the boundaries in pursuit of his independence and identity? Either way, we need to keep scripture in mind, ask the Lord for discernment and wisdom and then continue as we have been, diligently, with firmness of conviction and abundance of love (even while doling out the consequences!). He promises us peace!
"You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in
you." Isaiah 26:3
I felt this week that we should pray for one another as well as our sons. We all need to be reminded that this battle is the Lord's and that though our sons fall and may rebel, they will rise up and be who they were created to be.
Psalm 378:24"... though he stumble, he will not fall, for the LORD upholds him with his hand."
We praise you, Lord, for another week. Thank you for the blessings over our sons, for healing when they need it, for forgiving when they fall short, for loving them unconditionally, and for your unmerited grace and favor in their lives. We thank you that when they fall, they will rise up, that when the backslide, they will return, that all that is lacking in them will be provided through the power of your Holy Spirit as they turn their eyes and hearts towards you.
We ask for comfort for ourselves and our sisters. Sometimes our boys break our hearts, because we love them so much. Give us the grace to ride out these storms and healing when the attacks are personal. Help us to remember our role as mom, not dad and turn over those things that are not ours to handle. And to have the peace to trust the outcomes. Thank you, Lord, for ALL your teaching us through our sons about your perfect love and grace. Help us to grow alongside our sons.
We ask this week that you would help our sons with temptation..."lead [them] not into temptation, but deliver [them] from evil." Matt. 6:13. For the young men in public school, we specifically ask you would keep a hedge of protection around them, that you would help them NOT to be followers of the crowd, but to have their own minds and make decisions that would bring a blessing on their lives Even in their studies, Lord, help them discern truth from false teachings and ideologies. Help us to continue planting the word in their hearts as a weapon against these false teachings.
And friends, Lord, a powerful influence...we pray you would mightily move to bring the right friends into our sons lives and pull away those who are a negative influence. And we do pray that all their friends would come to know you as Saviour! Help us to remember to pray for the boys in our neighborhoods, in our schools and churches, etc.
Lord, again we ask that you'd give our sons a love for your house. Even as many of them are just "doing what they have to" attending church, touch their hearts in the midst. And for those who are growing and learning and love your house, bless them and keep them, that they would always find a church where your truth is taught, wherever they go in life.
Thank you again for the gift of our sons, Lord. We ask all these things in your name, believing and thanking you in advance for answered prayer. "And all things you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive." Matt: 21:22
Be blessed!
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