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!

1. Share 1 or 2 of your most recent CHRISTIAN LIVING posts. (No DIY, crafts, recipes, or inappropriate articles.) All links are randomly sorted.

2. Comment on 1 or 2 other links. Grace & Truth linkup encourages community.

3. Every host features one entry from the previous week. To be featured, include this button or link back here on your post (mandatory to be featured, but not to participate).

We encourage you to follow our hosts on their blogs or social media.

MAREE DEE – Embracing the Unexpected
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HEATHER HART & VALERIE RIESE – Candidly Christian
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LAUREN SPARKS
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LISA BURGESS – Lisa notes
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