The more time passes as a parent, the more I realize how little I truly understand parenting. Even if you are not a parent, this post will encourage you. We need each other to walk on this earth and raise our children.
Children are a masterpiece of God. Parents or caregivers are the caretakers, coaches, and encouragers. We are the listening ears, the cheerleaders, the disciplinarians, the peace-giving, the conflict resolution teachers, and provide comfort with kissed boo-boos and emotional support. Most importantly, we are the example of authority as Jesus walking on this earth.
Because we are all created in unique, beautiful ways, our DNA is intricate. There are physical, psychological, and spiritual elements to our parenting process. We want to do it right. We want to be the perfect mom or dad to our children. But it is not possible without allowing God to direct our steps.
Genesis 18: 18- 19 (NIV) The Lord said, “Abraham will surely become a great and powerful nation, and all nations on earth will be blessed through him. For I have chosen him, so that he will direct his children and his household after him to keep the way of the Lord by doing what is right and just, so that the Lord will bring about for Abraham what he has promised him.”
Genesis is the first book of the Bible, and the Lord chose Abraham to be an example of being a father to all nations on earth. Abraham had some good and bad choices, but he kept seeking the Lord and allowing the Lord to complete the work He started. We are descendants of Abraham, and we have the same promises available to us.
Like Abraham, we come into the parenting relationship with our baggage that needs to be purged by the Lord. Our children and we sin, and it all started in the Garden of Eden. Because of the first original sin, we are marked by the same fleshy thorn.
We can’t get mad at Eve and Adam. They were human like us. God gave them free will to make choices, but their flesh got in the way of making the right choice. Of course, the snake in the garden, the devil, loved to detour the relationship between God and humans from the beginning of time. The snake still works hard today, attempting to devour our potential and our children’s potential. Scripture tells us he runs around like a roaring lion seeking to kill, steal and destroy (1 Peter 5:8; John 10:10). He hates the Children of God.
Our children’s flesh and our fleshy nature get in the way of being the best parent
1 Peter 5: 6 – 9 (NIV) Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings.
I am learning that God must be my authority. God speaks in His Word in the Bible, through some amazing sisters and brothers in Christ, and when I am willing to be still, God prompts me to remember the instructions in His Word.
When I drop the fleshy, know it all, I am in control, anxious, restless, selfish actions and words, I can better reflect Him in my parenting or any relationship.
However, it really does take a village to keep me on the trail to improved parenting. My village is full of wise women and men who are not afraid to speak His truth and go against the current trends, our world views. The wisdom of the Body of Christ is the answer in all relationships, whether you are a parent, friend, have family member, or coworker.
Philippians 4: 8 – 9 (NIV) Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. 9 Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.
We all need a village of compassionate, loving, wise people. The village spends time in the Word of God and shares what they are learning. They are willing to be transparent at times of their sins and mistakes. This way others can be blessed to be a blessing to others.
If you are not a parent yet, not sure you want to parent, or struggle with infertility I can relate. I have been where you are. As the Lord wills, this post is for all of God’s people.
This scripture encouraged me to seek the Lord for who I was to impact His Kingdom before becoming a mom. May it encourage you to make a difference in those children or young adults that walk across your path. You can be an influencer for Jesus wherever you walk.
Psalm 113:9 (NIV) He settles the childless woman in her home as a happy mother of children. Praise the Lord.
Author: Mary Mesikapp
Mary Mesikapp is a lover of nature, sunsets, mountain drives, and hikes. Mom of 4 (through blessings of open adoption, and our foreign exchange daughter from Brazil), previous Trauma / Emergency room Nurse, past Director of a Pregnancy Resource Center, student of the Bible as study leader and mentor.
Mary has spoken in schools and in churches about life purpose. She learns more about Jesus every day especially through the challenges and looks forward to encouraging women and families to be strong and steadfast in relationships and life.
You can connect with Mary on her website @inspiringlightthroughthecracks
