Who Has A Strong-willed Child

He did what was right in the eyes of the LORD and followed completely the ways of his father David, not turning aside to the right or to the left.

I USED TO JOKE THAT if you were to open the dictionary to the word strong-willed, you could find a photo of any one of my three children. They know what they want. They follow their hearts. And they don’t let anything get in their way. This has made for many interesting stories and moments of motherhood. My kids have pushed back against the boundaries I set for them again and again. And it can be absolutely draining at times.

It’s exhausting when a toddler says no and is determined to have things done her way. It’s exhausting when a child climbs out of his bed repeatedly night after night, after being tucked in. It’s exhausting when a preteen asks why over and over and continually challenges every decision because he is convinced he knows better.

But here’s the thing. These children aren’t pushing against a reed swaying in the wind. They’re pushing against their own strong-willed momma who learned a long time ago that God gave me certain attributes for a reason. He made me determined to do all that He placed in my heart, even when others say it is impossible.

Oh, momma friend, so often we need the Lord to remind us of what a gift this can be. We need those with strong determination to do the work of the Lord despite what others may say should be done. We need people who will not bow or bend to the words of men, but who are led by the Word of the Lord alone. We need men and women who know what is right and true in the eyes of the Lord and aren’t afraid to say it. We need children who will grow to be adults steadfastly following what God said even if people say it should not be done.

In 2 Kings 22, we find the story of a determined king: “Josiah was eight years old when he became king. . . . He did what was right in the eyes of the LORD and followed completely the ways of his father David, not turning aside to the right or to the left” (2 Kings 22:1-2). Josiah wasn’t compared to his natural father, Amon, or his grandfather, Manasseh—both of whom had turned away from the Lord. He was compared to David, the great king who lived generations before him, a man who was strong in his will to follow the Lord.

During Josiah’s reign, many people worshiped pagan gods. He had every opportunity to slip into idol worship and the religion of the region, but he didn’t. He held fast. He knew what was true, and he didn’t waver.

Momma, whether you’re just starting out on this journey or you’re the momma of a strong-willed adult, the Lord chose you to lead these children. He knew exactly what kind of momma they would need. He knew the kinds of prayers that would need to be prayed for them. And He knew the important role you would play in raising them to be men and women who won’t let others sway them from loving the Lord. He is raising up leaders, and you are shaping them today. Praise the Lord for strong-willed children and the mommas trusting Him as they raise them.

Tonight we pray for the momma who has a strong-willed child. Lord, this one has a mind of their own. She is a fiery daughter. Or he is a determined son. They follow their hearts and don’t always think it through to the end. Someday they will make strong, purposeful leaders, but today they are wearing this momma’s patience thin. Lord, please give her an extra portion of Your strength. Fill her heart with Your wisdom as she raises these little ones. Help her to rest well tonight.

We ask in Jesus’s name, amen.

Heavenly Father, I pray that You would work in the hearts of my children, ___________________, so they will serve You wholeheartedly.