As I’m navigating a very difficult season of life with one of my children, and I’m staying in my Bible and praying through it, God is admonishing me a bit as His child.
He’s reminding me that I have, at times, scoffed at His rules or ignored them altogether, expected blessings without gratitude, cursed His name under my breath, asked for (or expected) things I didn’t earn or deserve, and broken His heart over and over by ignoring His presence or not wanting a relationship with Him.
Though I wasn’t a severely rebellious child, I had my moments where I broke my parents’ rules, ran away from their authority, and lashed out with an ungrateful attitude.
Now that I’m a parent, I’m realizing that those words and actions didn’t just hurt my parents’ hearts, they hurt my Heavenly Father’s heart.
The one who gave His life for me.
The one who loves me no matter what I say or do.
The one who is always there, no matter how much I ignore or curse Him.
The one who always wants what’s best for me, even if it’s not what I think is best.
The one who gave me the very breath in my lungs, and asks simply that I use that breath to thank or praise Him.
The one who wants to give me every good thing in heaven, even if not on earth, because He knows that what awaits me in heaven surpasses any treasure I seek on earth.
The one who blessed me with a loving husband who dotes on me, three beautiful children, a wonderful Daughter-in-Love, and three precious grandchildren. And He is still allowing me to be alive to be with them and watch them grow.
So, while I wait for MY prodigal child to return, I’m returning my focus to my Heavenly Father and becoming the child He deserves, for all He has done for me, while also keeping in mind that MY child was His child first.
For those of you who are going through a tough season with your children, remember, YOU are God’s child as well. Therefore, I encourage you to return to Your Father and renew your relationship with Him, as you go through this storm. Stand in the gap for your child by becoming an obedient, loving, reverent child of God yourself.
You have nothing to lose and everything to gain.
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
~John16:33
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Are you navigating a relationship with a wayward child right now? Feel free to share your experience below and anything that has helped you in this journey.
