September 20
Encouragement for Today
“Getting Caught”
Micca Campbell, Director of Outreach, Proverbs 31 Speaker Team Member
Key Verse:
Proverbs 22:6, “Train up a child n the way he should go, even when he is old he will not depart form it.” (The Open Bible)
Devotion:
Do you pray for your kids to “get caught” when they do wrong? I know that may sound strange to some, but let’s say that you have a student driver in your home who is inclined to speed. Wouldn’t you rather he or she be stopped by a police officer than stopped by a tree? Praying for your child to “get caught” may be the difference between the two.
Stopped for speeding by a police officer instead of a tree is actually a gift of grace for both you and your teen. It provides you with the opportunity to further train, nurture, and guide your adolescent according to the rules of the road. Otherwise, your teen may continue to speed without your knowledge and this could lead to tragic results. For that matter, any misconduct that happens without your knowledge can cause your child to end up in a place he or she never intended on being.
As parents, it’s our job to teach our children how to live wisely, safely and healthy. Thankfully, God is on our side, and I use that to my advantage. Daily, I pray for my children to “get caught” in their wrong behavior. They are aware of this and have learned that God always comes through.
I’ll never forget the first time my son got caught speeding. He was a young driver who thought he was “King of the Road” until his reign came to a halt by a state trooper.
Entering through the backdoor, he didn’t say a word or even look at his dad and me. Placing the ticket on the kitchen counter, along with his keys, he ran up the stairs to his room, closed the door, and began to sob. His dad and I looked at each other. Immediately, I got up, went to our son’s room and knocked on his bedroom door. He didn’t answer.
Downstairs, his dad called to me. “You’re not going to believe this.” Still holding the ticket in his hand, my husband informed me that our son was speeding down the highway, through a construction site, at 92 miles per hour.
Stunned and feeling rather sick to my stomach, I replied, “So that’s why he left his car keys beside of the ticket. He knows we’ll never let him drive again.”
Although I was terrified at the thought of my son racing down the freeway at top speed, I was thankful, too, that he had been caught and was alive to sit in our family room and discuss the good habits of safe driving. Of course, he had a few months to review those safety tips before he sat behind the wheel of a car again.
Praying for your kids to “get caught” is not about being a controlling, mean, rule-orientated parent. It’s about being a wise, caring parent. When your child gets caught, it’s not a tragedy nor is it cause to tear down their spirit with condemning words of disapproval. “Getting caught” is actually a blessing in disguise. It’s an opportunity to “re-train your child in the way they should go.” (Proverbs 22:6)
When you see it from this perspective, it defuses your anger and allows you to see the situation in a new light. You will come to realize that God is hearing your prayers and protecting your child by allowing you to see where he or she needs more guidance. Revealing these rough edges is God’s way of coming alongside of you and helping you parent your child. With God on your side, you’re sure to succeed.
Remember, growing up is a journey. “Getting caught” is simply part of the process of training and re-training our children until they reach a healthy state of maturity called adulthood.
The good news is you’re not in this alone. The Lord is ready and willing to help you. He’s only a prayer a way.
My Prayer for Today:
Dear Lord, as much as I love my children, I know that You love them more and desire only good things for them. Help me to keep them safe from temptations and the dangers of this world. I ask You to reveal any darkness they may be in. Allow them to “get caught” so that, with You, we can redirect their path that leads to life and righteousness. Thank You for hearing and answering my prayers. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Applications Steps:
After inviting God to help you parent your child by reveling any darkness they may be in, be aware when your child gets caught that God has heard and answered your prayer. Thank Him! Then, share this with your child. It will help make God real to them. Make sure you explain it in a way that reveals both yours and God’s love and concern for them. Do administer any discipline that fits the wrong action, but make sure you also use this time to also retrain and nurture your child. This is fulfilling the correct definition of the word “discipline,” which means, to train by instruction.
Reflection Points:
How do you view your role as a disciplinarian; to teach or control your child?
Do you feel alone in raising your children?
Have you ever thought that if God has called you to the task of parenting, He has also equipped you to succeed?
How can asking God to help your children “get caught” in wrong behavior make you a better parent?
Power Verses:
Proverbs 1:8, “Hear, my son, your father’s instruction, and do not forsake your mother’s teaching.” (The Open Bible)
Proverbs 19: 18, “Discipline your son while there is hope, and do not desire his death.” (The Open Bible)
Proverbs 29: 17, “Correct your son and he will give your comfort; He will also delight your soul.” (The Open Bible)
James 1:5, "If any one of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all men generously and without reproach and it will be given to him." (The Open Bible)
Additional Resources:
Mining for Gold in the Heart of Your Child, by Renee Swope
http://proverbs31.gospelcom.net/newresources_miningGoldChart.htm
Being a Great Mom, Raising Great Kids, by Sharon Jaynes
http://proverbs31.gospelcom.net/newresources_greatMom.htm
Personality Plus for Parents, by
http://proverbs31.gospelcom.net/newresources_personalityPlusParents.htm