Parenting by Design - October 18

Comfort for Parents of Rebellious Children

Hosea 11:1-2: When Israel was a child, I loved him, and out of Egypt I called my son. But the more I called Israel, the further they went from me (NIV).

Do you ever feel like the more you try to help your kids, the more they pull away from you? God led the nation of Israel out of Egyptian slavery and yet they constantly disobeyed Him. When children rebel, parents often assume they are the ones to blame. They scrutinize their parenting decisions and analyze where they must have made mistakes. While self examination is important, sometimes we assume too much responsibility for the choices our children make. It is interesting to note that even though God is a perfect parent, ALL of His children rebelled!

God does not guarantee your parenting journey will be trial-free, and some of His kids need more discipline than others, but you can trust that He is good and that He will discipline those He loves in order to make them more righteous (Heb 12:5-11). Surrender your kids to God and trust Him with the outcome.

Glorify God in your parenting and leave the results to Him.