Battle-Weary Parents
Paraphased from YouVersion Bible Plan by Pam Parish
Ever feel like a fraud?
I’ve had several conversations lately with members of our Teen Reach family. Seasoned Christians facing real battles for their children and grandchildren.
I work tirelessly in this space for vulnerable youth and my own children are floundering in their faith. My prodigal has yet to come home. I feel like such a fraud.
I can so relate. Will and I have battled hard for the souls of each one of our three children, and the battle still wages. That’s why I was so excited to dive into this YouVersion Bible plan when Amy Jones sent it my way. Even though Pam Parish, the author, speaks mostly to foster and adoptive parents, the truth is applicable to each of us.
I encourage you to dive into the 8-day plan, but here are some of my favorite nuggets.
The things God promises us are the very things the enemy tries to steal with every weapon from hell. This is war.
There’s no darker place than the depths of a broken heart full of fear, regret, doubt, and failure.
In the midst of the storm, it rarely sprinkles; most often, it pours. Sometimes the only way to survive is to drop your umbrella and dance in the rain.
God meets us in our darkest moments and shines His light brightly.
“Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” Isaiah 40:31
When you don’t have any prayers left, few words and little strength, go to bed. Rest.
“I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me.” Matthew 11:28 MSG
Allow yourself to be vulnerable with trusted friends. Be raw with the good, the bad, and the disgustingly ugly truth. Ask for prayer. Don’t ever go through crisis alone.
Don’t fall trap to the blame game. For most parents, we’ve done the absolute best we could every step of the way and are the first ones to recognize when and where we could have done a better job. Turn away from the accuser and turn to the Healer.
Apathy is our enemy. Never stop caring for ourselves and for others. The battle is not a sprint, but a marathon. Understand our own triggers, deal with our own grief, take care of ourselves and keep fighting. “With God, all things are possible.” Matthew 19:26
Teen Reach family, please know that the national team is praying for you during our weekly meetings. Always know you can reach out to any of us for specific prayers. We love you and love your hearts to serve the most vulnerable even while fighting your own battles. Keep on fighting the good fight.