Mom Heart Moments #219

Peter got out of the boat, and walked on the water. . . . But seeing the wind, he became frightened, and beginning to sink, he cried out, “Lord, save me!”

WHEN I LOOK BACK OVER OUR life as a family, I often picture a boat on the sea. Clay and I were in the boat, seeking to guide our children to a life of righteousness in the midst of constant storms and challenges. Our secret to surviving was always God and walking by faith with Him. Here are some obstacles we all face in parenting by faith:

• Fear When we walk by fear, we say, “This is frightening! What if my children give in to cultural storms?” “What if we do not have enough money to make it?” “I am not adequate for this difficult task of parenthood.” We look at the storm around us and find it threatening and discouraging. Yet we cannot live by fear in parenting, or we will fail to show our children the reality of God.
• Formula A parent who is dependent on formula says, “If I spank this way, or follow these rules, or use this curriculum, then surely I will raise a perfect child.” This kind of parenting depends on works. But formulas will disappoint. Following law will never equal the redeeming power of God, so no matter how much you search, you will not find the right formula because it doesn’t exist.
• Flesh Sometimes our mental recordings sound like this: “If I just get up earlier, have more quiet times, control my kids’ behavior more, craft the right experiences, prepare all organic food, get the right training, and provide the best friends, my children will turn out well.” It is true that parenting is hard work. But when we try to help God by exerting great amounts of our energy “helping Him,” we eventually come up against our own limitations and want to throw our hands into the air and give up.

Which of these three hindrances is most tempting to you? How might you take a step toward walking in faith today?