Tag: parents

Walking Away

Published on by amylinnea1 Comment

Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it. Proverbs 22:6

Have a loved one who has walked away from God?

Maybe abandoning God or simply choosing to skip church?

It’s heartbreaking.

As parents, we want the very best for our children.

And the very best includes God.

When children are growing, we banish the thought they will ever willingly walk away from God.

We think our children will never be one of those outcasts.

Our precious little angels would never choose the world over God.

Well, it happens.

Even with our best laid plans, they do.

Kids can walk away.

It’s heartbreaking, knowing they are choosing to live without God.

Choosing to live outside of God’s umbrella of protection.

Know something?

God understands this pain parents experience.

The deep pain of knowing your child is not choosing God and His truth.

As our Father, God’s heart wants all of His creation to know Him.

To choose Him, delving into His abundant grace and love.

And every person who turns their back on God, breaks His heart.

His father’s protective heart.

Rest in the knowledge that God, as a parent, understands.

Not only does He understand, but He cares even more than you.

He seeks your children, too.

Place your not so little ones back into the arms of God.

Lift off your burden, handing it also into His capable hands.

Keep interceding on their behalf.

But partner with God.

Lean on Him, remembering how much He understands your pain.

You have one Giant Ally- God Himself.

That should produce a smile. 🙂

Photos by Claudio Schwarz, Daiga Ellaby, Ekaterina Shakharova, & Nick Fewings on Unsplash

Gifts

Published on by amylinneaLeave a comment

Rest in the knowledge that He is enough.

That He, our Lord, holds all things in His hands.

Are you resting?

Or are you resisting?

Matthew 7:11 reminds us “If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!”

Are you trusting God to give you those good gifts?

Might not be what you asked for, but it will be a good gift nonetheless.

Socks for Christmas are not a favorite, but your feet will be thankful next winter.

A new kitchen appliance is not as sparkly as jewelry, but making dinner from now on will be easier, so frankly, that gift means time.

Taking something away from a child is hardly met with enthusiasm, but it’s a gift.

As parents, you give the gift of self-control and thinking of others, hoping to kick pride to the curb.

Mostly.

We try.

We try to give these good gifts to our children.

Guessing they don’t think of them as gifts.

When God gives you the gift of unemployment, are you thankful?

Thankful for the fresh start?

When God gives you the gift of a child who operates completely different from you, are you thankful?

Thankful to see things from a whole new perspective?

When God allows challenges in your life, it’s for a reason.

To shape you further into His image.

We’re just fine, Lord, thanks anyway!

Good gifts from God belong in His will.

Rest in the knowledge that He is in control.

Allow all of His gifts to mold you into who He wants you to become.

Good can mean lots of things.

To our Lord, it means for your very best.

Photos by Toa Heftiba, Christopher Jolly, Cody Black, and Kira auf der Heide on Unsplash

Securely Loved

Published on by amylinneaLeave a comment

And you will feel secure, because there is hope; you will look around and take your rest in security. Job 11:18

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Are you securely loved?

By anyone here on earth?

Have you the pleasure of knowing you are completely surrounded by that love?

Completely safe through the knowledge you are absolutely securely loved?

Do you have that from your folks?

From your spouse?

A dear friend?

Securely loved means you don’t have to perform to earn it.

You can mess up, even royally, and stay in peace, knowing you are loved for who you are, not what you are.

Securely.

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Have you lost that security?

Ever?

Have you lost the undying love of your folks?

Has the spouse you vowed to love left you through death or divorce?

There are few earthly relationships God has designed to provide love.

Secure love.

Love that doesn’t measure your worth based on what you are, but loves you for who you are.

Love from parents and spouses are the two that come to mind.

Unfortunately, our broken world produces lives that fall apart from the lack of secure love.

Our one and only hope of secure love rests in the loving arms of God.

In the One who created us for love.

Who designed our hearts to love.

His love is secure.

It will never fail.

If you’ve never felt securely loved, it’s time to place your trust in God.

His love for you will astound you.

You mess up, but He still loves you.

You put other things before Him, but He still loves you.

You recommit, deciding to get serious with God for the 110th time and He still loves you.

God loves you.

How much?

He sent His one and only son to die for you.

For you.

His love predates you and will go on for ever.

Rest securely in His love.

You can never earn it, so He gives it to you freely.

When you trust in Him, you are absolutely securely loved.

Forever.

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