A Mom's Job
It’s a mom’s job to protect our children, teach them to follow the ways of the Lord, help them stay away from things that will lead them astray – so it’s all on us to make them into the person you know God wants them to be, right? It’s our fault if they don’t want to listen to worship music. It’s our fault if they don’t want to go to youth group. It’s our fault if they get bad grades. It’s our fault if they get sick or hurt.
This is the crushing weight I believe all mothers – including myself – feel as they navigate through the adventure of parenting. Some of us feel the pressure of this lie more than others.
Reality Vs. the Lie
The reality is that we have no control over the choices our children make. Yes, it’s very important that we follow scripture and “train up a child in the way they should go,” but ultimately we have to let go and release our children and their decisions to the Lord.
Our children and spouse are for our sanctification. Our children fight us to do things their way; but isn’t that what we all too often do with God?Click To TweetA Lesson in Servant Leadership
I believe that God gives us our children to teach us the model of servant leadership and how our relationship should reflect Jesus’ demonstration of this type of leadership through His own selfless examples of serving his disciples (John 13:1-7).
Reach out and be led by the Holy Spirit. Even when we mess up, God is leading us. Spending time in the presence of the Lord allows us to keep our hearts humble and malleable enough to give us the power we need to let go of control and repent to our children and the Lord.
As mothers and followers of Christ almighty, we are called to model grace and forgiveness. Children only learn what is walked out in front of them.
A Special Parenting Prayer
And so, I want to share to share a special parenting prayer (see top right column of this post) to help encourage and strengthen your faith and trust in the Lord wherever you may be in this season of parenting. Remember mom – you are not in control.
We can’t just preach to our children. It's not up to us. Prayer is the way. Click To TweetLet go and watch the Spirit of God move and know that God will work even in our mistakes as we humble ourselves before Him and, yes, sometimes even before our children!
Originally Posted: October 3, 2016
Our Prayer
Dear Lord,
I am not enough for my children but through you I can do all things. I can do what you want me to do and step back and let you work in the life of my children. I ask for your words of wisdom to speak when they are brave enough to open up to me to about their struggles, fears, hopes and desires. Help me Lord. Right now they are doing most of the talking, but I have prayed for them to open up so help me to know when I should speak and when I should only listen and let you work their hearts.
Lord, please bless my precious children with your discernment and your wisdom. Help them to have the courage to let you in. I rebuke the spirit of fear from them in the name of Jesus.
I ask that you set them free from any and all spiritual bondage completely. Please reverse any word curses they have spoken over themselves including words spoken by others – even words spoken by myself and their dad out of ignorance and blindness to their power.
I repent of any circumstances I have tried to manipulate to control my children. Help me repair any damage I have done to our relationship. Heal any wounds that I or other members of the family have inflicted upon them in the name of Jesus.
I humbly ask that you place your all powerful hand of protection over them and allow the Holy Spirit to move in their lives. Please move supernaturally in their hearts and tear down any walls they built that are keeping them from fully knowing you, loving you, worshiping you and walking in your presence.
I want everything you have for them Lord. Your Word says, “The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear it’s sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit” (John 3:8). Lord, I am coming boldly before your mighty throne to ask that you blow on my children and that I am able to witness their transformation by your radical love in my lifetime.
In Jesus’ Name,
Amen
Scriptures for Meditation
New International Version (NIV)
~ John 13:14-15
Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.
~ Psalm 46:10
He says, “Be still, and know that I am God;
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth.”
You are such an inspiring and encouraging writer. I’ve enjoyed each entry.
Thank you so much Diane! That blesses me to hear your feedback!
Love,
Joanna
Thank you Joanna, for sharing your powerful words of prayer over our children!
This is “right on time”, for me this morning.
Much love~ Jenny
So sorry I just saw your encouraging message! Thank you for the words of affirmation. This is my heart’s desire!
Love and Peace,
Joanna
Great post! I discovered that I was codependent and then my life changed in parenting, marriage, career and Faith. We are enough! We are worthy! We are so anxious because we think we must be everything to everyone and we forget about self-care, self-love, and the strength and peace that comes from faith.
Galatians 1:10
For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ.
Yes, along the way the Lord showed me that codependency was the name for what He has and has been continuing to heal me from. When we believe lies and operate out of that place, when we become our own source instead of God, it really throws things out of God’s Kingdom order. It is incredible what happens as we surrender all of the places of fear over to God!