My sixteen year old daughter just emailed me this from school. Yes, she attends public school and has access to her email account everyday during study hall. As I look down at my toddler and the continual demands he places on me, the constant picking up, the day to day discipline, I also remember when this child was in this stage and wondering what choices will she make, who will she become, will she listen to God's voice, will she choose to make Him Lord and Savior?
Many days we are still in the midst of constant demands, instruction, discipline, but then I get a glimpse of what God is doing in the life and heart of this child. This is not to brag or toot my own horn, (believe me, if I could change some things I would) but to encourage us as moms that all the time and energy we give to these children in teaching and instructing them in the ways of the Lord is not done in vain.
"Mom read the forward! it totally spoke to me about what we talked about last nite."
The Daily Bible Verse : Email Edition May 16th, 2008~
John 5:18-19~
If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world.That is why the world hates you.
Commentary:
Since Satan is the one who dominates the evil world system in rebellion against God (14:30), the result is that the world hates not only Jesus, but those who follow Him (2 Tim. 3:12). Hatred toward Jesus means also hatred toward the Father who sent Him (v. 23).
MacArthur, J. J. (1997, c1997).
The MacArthur Study Bible (electronic ed.) (Jn 15:18).Nashville: Word Pub.
Last night after we stayed up way too late talking and I finally said good night to her, I prayed! And then I prayed some more! I knew that I could not meet the need this child was facing. I can't fix everything even though I desperately want to. So, I laid my head on my pillow and said, "Father, she is your daughter and I love her. Would you minister to her? I am helpless here. I want to fix all of this and make life easy for her. But I know better. My ways are not your ways. My plan for her is not your plan. I trust you with her completely. Amen. "
14 comments:
Whew.....fighting back tears. What a wonderful answer to your prayer. What a comfort this post is, thanks for sharing!
Wow. What a sweet email and quick reassurance that God has her in the palm of His hand, and she is not resisting His leading!
Keep that one as an encouragement!
Oh my goodness, Chris. This spoke to me more than you know. I guess with all the 'stuff' I have to see in youth ministry, I often wonder if my own girls will choose the right things. You have touched a nerve with me - I must trust my Father because my children are His and He loves them. Thank you!
I know that as my boys grow the issues are going to get so much more complicated than "stop hitting your brother"...sometimes I'm overwhelmed when I think about it, but it's posts like this that remind me, one day at a time, and God will be with me then, just as He's leading you now.
Thanks for sharing your life with us.
Be blessed,
Sarah
Chris, what a wonderful post. I too have lived moments like this. What a wonderful glimpse of what God is working in your girl's heart.
That is so powerful, and to think she did that from school, where there are all kinds of distractions. That is so encouraging.
CHris, I so needed this. thank you!!!
She is so passionate, she is going to be an amazing woman of the Lord, much like her mother. It is so cool to see how He is pursuing her and speaking directly into her heart!
I call this stage 'life outside of the greenhouse" when our children reach this part of their lives, we have to trust all that is put in them in the "greenhouse" times, the nurturing, instruction and love, and trust that they develop the strength to face the winds that beat against their tender frames. It is hard sometimes even though we know that bending against those harsh winds makes them incredibly strong. Chris, you are such a great mom!
What a wonderful post! This spoke to me SO much today. I just posted an update on my sweet daughter (over the Pacific at the moment, on her way to China!!) and I've had similar thoughts lately.
What a beautiful post! Such a sweet reminder that we need to trust God with our children, not always easy but always needed.
Thank you, Chris.
amen.
Just today I was praying for my boys the verse "all your sons will be taught by the Lord / great will be your children's peace." I know that if there is anything good in them, it is the Lord's doing and not my own! Thanks for this reminder that the Lord sees and knows the difficulties of our todays and He will indeed reap a harvest if we do not grow weary and give up!
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