Confession: I feel completely inadequate to parent a teenager. I know every generation claims some variation of “The world is so different now than when I was a kid.” And it will continue to be true for generations that follow us (if God allows). I know King Solomon declared in Ecclesiastes 1:9 that there was nothing new under the sun, but the scribes who wrote out his words in long hand could not have imagined the internet.
The information my daughter has instantaneous access to through her smartphone frightens and appalls me. It steals the innocence and wonder that enveloped me at 16. The prevalent worldview of our society, so oppositional to biblical teaching, presents itself as gospel on repeat through a 7 inch screen. And since Satan masquerades as an angel of light, these dangerous messages disguise themselves as enlightenment, compassion and acceptance.
I often feel persecuted for choosing to uphold biblical truth and believing that truth and compassion can go hand in hand. This weight feels intolerable – like it could crush me.
I hit my knees until they bruise, pouring out my tears, my anxieties, my fears and my sorrows. I feel hopeless at times. The opposition looks too big, too sleek, and too clever. But I am not helpless. Not without hope.
Ephesians 3:20-21 says God “is able to do above and beyond all that we ask or think according to the Power that works in us – to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.” (HCSB)
God’s power is such that it dwarfs my prayers, and begs me to pray bigger and ask more. While I plead for my children, God works on their hearts and the hearts of millions. And He works up the chain to eradicate false teachings. Why? Because He is able. And because He WILL receive glory. He won’t allow His name to be disparaged forever. All generations will one day recognize His brilliance. From teens to those already deceased.
Our Heavenly Father, in His grace, chose not to keep all that power to Himself. As familiar as the above Ephesians passage is to me, I must admit that I usually overlook the part referencing His power in me! He is able to do all that He wills “according to the Power that works in US”.
I can’t overstate the comfort I receive knowing how much power He has. But
I just have to sit with that for a bit. It’s almost too much to take in, and I don’t know if I could believe it were it not a part of His infallible Word.
When I think I can’t take the lies of this world anymore, I need only to cry out to Him to access that power. I may not see an immediate answer, but in the end, He wins. And those of us who are in Christ win too. That’s a promise.
“No, in all these things we are more than victorious through Him who loved us.” Romans 8:37 (HCSB) Go back and read this verse again and emphasize the word “more”. That word is the difference between winning by one point and willing by 50. We don’t just win. It’s a blowout. No squeaking by. No nail biting battles. We are, with Him, the undisputed champs. And we didn’t choose the winning team, it chose us.
So whether the mountain you climb relates to parenting or a job situation, a marriage struggle, mental health, or anything else…We know God works for our good and He wants us to call on the power that works within us. His redeeming, sanctifying power. I think I’ll read this again (often) to remind me.
And now for this week’s featured post from the link up!
In this season of my life, I feel so blessed to have some great friends in my life. But I spent much of my 30’s feeling lonely and settling for unhealthy dynamics. Larry Wilson has written an insightful post for debbiewwilson.com called 3 Tips for Finding High Quality Friends. I know mine make all the difference to me!
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Oh sister, I feel your pain. I can’t even imagine raising a teenager right now, but I do have grandchildren I worry about. The lies of this world have been burdening my heart so much too. I just have to turn everything off, yet somehow I still hear them because they are everywhere today.
Agreed. I told my husband last week that I need a vacation where I can’t see the news or social media or a TV show or movie. That is the only way to escape.
I think I’ll read this again, too, and often to know no matter the mountain, His power is enough!
No matter the mountain. Love that Lynn. Thanks for sharing.
This was awesome and so full of truth. God is growing you into such a wise woman. Love you!
Thank you, Mama. I love you.
Lauren, there so many days and times when I feel inadequate as a mom of teen sons. This world is hard and, if I was only to view it through my own filter, it would look completely overwhelming. But, we have Jesus inside. We have His power and faithfulness available. I needed that reminder today. Thank. you.
Thank you for the comradery in this. I’m praying for the increased faith to trust Him with it as I should. Praying for you and yours right now, Jeanne.
I don’t think it’s that bad but that’s a matter of perspective. The next generation always seems to have more access to information than the previous one, so I was never too worried about social media access. What I do know is that I was always going to be a source of truth and use the ability to discern what was harmful as I shared. I realized that if I made a big deal about everything it would probably do more harm than good, so I chose wisely and had lots of good (eye-opening conversations) on both sides with my children. I appreciated their honesty and they were probably shocked by mine.
Of course, it never hurt that I could bring all my weird thoughts and insecurities to the Throne.
I think you are absolutely right about not making a big deal out of everything. I don’t with my kids, but do with our heavenly Father. So thankful I can take it all to Him. And while I’m at it, I’m praying for the increased faith to trust Him with it all as I should.
Amen! No matter what our “office” – wife, mom, grandma, friend, co-worker, etc. God knows what we need and is generous to supply it!
You are so right, Susan. Thank you for weighing in.
Yesterday was one of those days when my own inadequacies were so apparent to me! I needed to hear what you have shared here, Lauren. Thanks for your faithfulness and, also, for hosting each week.
Your comments are so kind, Donna. I’m glad it was helpful and thank you!
” I may not see an immediate answer, but in the end, He wins. And those of us who are in Christ win too. That’s a promise” – this is so comforting. Your post resonated with me (I don’t have teenagers yet but I have a 6 and 10 yr old). Thank you for sharing.
I’m so glad it was comforting to you. Thank you for letting me know.
While I do believe God equips each generation with what they need for the battles they face, I grieve for what this generation does face. Our minister sat down with our youth and asked them to write questions they had. They had a big list of questions facing them and our country today – what does the bible say and how to respond. He’s preaching a sermon based on biblical response. It’s challenging when the education system teaches in contrast with scripture. Thankful God does not abandon his children!
I grieve for them as well, Maryleigh. And what a great idea for a sermon series.
I’ve been clinging to God a lot lately as I watch our adult children make decisions. It’s so hard—but there’s so much comfort in the verses you share. God will win.
It is so hard. But I keep telling myself that the story isn’t over if the story isn’t good.
Amen, Lauren – His redeeming, sanctifying power is at work in every situation! May we cling to His Word and trust Him in all things.
Trusting Him in all things is the hard one for me. But I keep asking Him to help me with it.
Beautiful and powerful post, Lauren. I have never felt adequately equipped to parent small humans. I struggle enough with my own existence in this big scary world. Trying to keep these wee ones safe from all the harms out there is very scary business, indeed. But we have to have ways to relieve that anxiety and fear and placing our trust in a higher power is just about the only option we have! Thanks for always sharing from your heart, my friend.
Shelbee
http://www.shelbeeontheedge.com
If there is a parent that is completely confident in their ability to parent, they know nothing about the world or their kids! So we are all in a similar boat in that regard.