Endurance

We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love. Romans 5:3-5

WE CAN BECOME DISCOURAGED at any stage of the parenting journey. In the earliest years, we wonder how long it will take for our children to sleep through the night. Then we wonder how long it will be until our child listens and obeys. Later we wonder how long it is going to take for our teenager to come to his senses. In every period of waiting, we’re tempted to lose hope, which can make parenting a heavy burden.

Parenting well requires endurance. Love over the long haul. A willingness to wait for God to work. So one of the most important tasks for a parent is simply to refuse to give up when things are hard.

When we need strength to endure, the Spirit brings to mind the truths of Scripture to infuse us with hope. When we’re tempted to think that we are the wrong parents for our children, the Spirit reminds us that God placed them with us so they could know him (Acts 17:26-27). When we’re tempted to think that our children will never turn toward God, the Spirit reminds us that God works in and through families (Acts 11:14; 16:31). When we’re afraid that something has happened that will ruin our children’s lives, the Spirit reminds us that nothing can separate them from God’s love (Romans 8:35-39). The Spirit reminds us that the hardest circumstances in our kids’ lives are not outside of God’s plan, but are part of his plan to bring good (Romans 8:28).

Lord, when we run into problems with ________, help us to remember that you work in the midst of problems and trials to develop something in us that could come no other way. We would never find refuge in the hope of salvation if we never felt the need for it. So we refuse to look for the quick and easy fix. Instead, we invite you to have your way in us to develop endurance. Give us the patience, wisdom, and love we need for parenting in all the years to come.