www.insideoutwithcourtnaye.org
"You watched me as I was being formed in utter seclusion,
as I was woven together in the dark of the womb."
~Psalm 139:15
If you are a mother who is trying to raise her kids in the right way, then it is not by chance that you are reading this post at this very moment. God knows that your heart’s desire is to raise them up in the admonition of Him, to train them up in the way that they should go, and most importantly to be a follower of Jesus Christ. By far, it’s not easy in the times that we’re living in. No doubt, it’s getting harder and harder to raise godly children in an ungodly culture.
Honestly, the hard reality is that there is in fact, so much vying and pulling for our children’s attention. With all of the gadgets, technology, social media apps (and the new ones that are forthcoming), YouTube videos, innuendos on television for sexual immorality, and worldly influences all around them, it is INDEED a fight to protect our kids from Satan’s schemes and strategies. I would venture to say that he has gotten even craftier in this generation.
Yet, I don’t know about you, but I’m willing to fight for my kids. And I’m not talking about carnally with my mouth and hands, but spiritually. The Bible tells us in 1 Corinthians 10:4, “For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds.” Amen! I believe with God, this battle can be won, especially when we fight right and continually.
Personally and currently, I have a 20 year old son (in college), a 14 year old daughter who is in her first year of high school, and a 12 year old son who is nearing his teenage years (Lord, help us big time with our youngest!). He’s just a strong-willed one, and of course my hubby and I love him dearly. But if any of you reading this has a strong-willed child, you know exactly what I’m talking about. Which makes it even harder to raise them up in this ungodly culture.
So, what do we do, sis?
We pray for one another. We fight on our knees. We pray for our children fervently and we take time to pray with them (whether they are younger or older). We pay attention to what’s happening in our households and their lives (especially with their phones, tablets, computers, televisions, and friendships). We trust God, even when they make foolish decisions or mistakes. And we don’t give up, no matter what we see or experience.
Proverbs 31:27-28 says that the virtuous woman, “…carefully watches everything in her household and suffers nothing from laziness. Her children stand and bless her…” – so let’s follow this biblical example, sister.
Reason being is because the culture that we’re living in, it’s time that we, as mothers step up our game against the enemy and his tactics against our children. It’s time that we rise up to fight for the sake of our children’s lives and well-being, but also help them realize that God has a purpose for their lives and at the end of the day, eternity with Him is the ultimate end-goal. That’s why we fight, sis. And two ways are through unwavering hope and prayers.
So, whether your kid or kids are younger or older, don’t stop praying for them. Whether they are good or wayward, don’t stop praying for them. Whether they are respectful or disrespectful, don’t stop praying for them. Whether they’re obedient or disobedient, don’t stop praying for them. Whether they are with you or away from home, don’t stop praying for them. You are their praying mother.
You were created and called to be their nurturer, caregiver, teacher, and warrior in prayer. So, no matter what it looks like at home or in their lives, don’t ever give up on your child, sis. There is always hope, even as we raise them in an ungodly culture.
Remember, Jesus is coming back soon! And those who endure unto the end shall be saved. So let’s be ready from the Inside Out!
~Courtnaye
*Book Recommendations for you as a mother are, "The Power of a Praying Mother" and "The Power of Praying for Your Adult Children" - both books are from Stormie Omartian. And "Fervent" by Priscilla Shirer. Grab these helpful resources, TODAY!
QUESTION: Are you a mother, sis? Are you trying to raise your kid or kids in the ways of the Lord, but find it difficult in today's culture? If so, need prayer? Feel free to email me directly @ insideoutwithcourtnaye@gmail.com. I look forward to hearing from you and praying for you!
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