I remember how inadequate I felt just before adopting our two daughters. I wondered how I would manage being a first-time mom to one, let alone two. As I spent time in prayer one afternoon (feeling a fair amount of trepidation), I sensed God speaking to me. He promised me that he and I would partner together, and that parenting would be a sweet place of communion for the two of us. And it has been.
I have commented to my husband that I don’t think I am a naturally good parent. There are people in my life who could parent really well in their sleep. For me it has been a journey of growing into being the best parent I can be. It’s been hard work.
In light of this, God’s partnership-offer has been a lifeline. It’s been a journey of learning to trust him for my girls’ well-being and to depend on him for the wisdom I need to parent them.
I believe God wants to foster in ALL of us both trust and dependence in our parenting. He invites us to trust that he’s got our kids, rather than default to worry at every turn. He longs for us to depend on his wisdom and power to help us, rather than try to do this parenting thing on our own.
My experience has been that he has divine wisdom to share with us. His awareness of the intricacies of my children exceeds my own. He understands their past. He sees their future. He has a good plan for them and is more than eager to partner with me in raising them. Not only is he passionate about their well-being, he is passionate about mine. At every turn he has been there, ready to dispense both wisdom and comfort as I have needed it.
I have come to the end of myself on more than one occasion. Desperate situations have entered our little family, times when I had NO idea what we could do to turn things around. When I have come to a situation with either of my kids where I’ve needed divine wisdom or tools in how to help them, he has never once failed me.
My journals can attest to the number of times I have needed his advice. He has shown me things that I just never would have discovered in the natural. And all I needed to do was ask (James 1:6). He longs to come alongside us and help us. He has wisdom to give us every single time we need it.
At a Christmas party last year, the host had us write down what we wanted to give Jesus for Christmas. We wrote our notes and wrapped them in pretty boxes. My gift to him? To trust him with the well-being of my kids. I’ve worked hard to not take this gift back. When I see something that might cause worry, I pray instead, and then ask for wisdom on how to help them.
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:6-7)
Whether your current parenting season is one of bliss or one of chaos and crisis (or anything in between), I encourage you to tether yourself to your heavenly father and ask him to partner with you in every aspect of your parenting.
He wants to take your worries and concerns and exchange them for peace. He wants to give you supernatural downloads on how to handle every situation and he wants to pull you close to his heart on both good and bad days and gently lead you. The beautiful visual created by Isaiah 40:11 fills me with peace every time I read it. May it bless you as well, fellow mama.
He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those that have young. (Isaiah 40:11)
Journal / Reflection question:
- Do you ever worry or experience anxiety regarding your children? Take time to hand each of your concerns over to God. Ask him to reveal to you what may get in the way of you trusting him completely with your children.
- What is your desire and intent for my child/ren? How do you want me to pray? What promises and scriptures can I declare over them?
- Is there a way I can be part of the answer in the natural realm? (i.e. How can I parent in a way that furthers your purpose in their lives?)
- Who do YOU want to be for my child in this situation? (i.e. Comforter, Protector, Healer, Friend). Then pray that your child will see the manifestation of this in their life.
Prayer tool:
Utilize the following questions to seek God’s wisdom regarding your children. Set aside some time for listening prayer and ask him these questions, and don’t forget to take time to journal what he shows you.
ASK GOD:
If you want to grow in hearing God’s voice, Holli will be offering her half day Hearing God Learning Lab on July 27 for the Substance Moms community. Email Holli at Holliaparicio@gmail.com for more information.
Holli Aparicio is a wife and homeschooling mom to Lydia (11) and Sofia (10). She is passionate about equipping others to encounter God in prayer and to learn to hear his voice. She loves the mountains, the ocean, blue skies, and sunny days (which is why she enjoys taking frequent vacations in the winter ☺). She lives with her family in Maple Grove, MN.