Parenting with God’s Energy

Think for a moment about the trying times parenting throws your way. If you’re involved in youth ministry or some other activity with teenagers, think about the hard times you’ve encountered in that role. Can you say like the Apostle Paul, “We proclaim him, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom so that we present everyone perfect in Christ. To this end I labor, struggling with all his energy, which so powerfully works in me.” What role do you allow God to play? I know all too well from my own history and experience that I often fail to live in total dependence on God. I’ve tried to parent my own children and minister to other kids with my own efforts and willpower. When I do, I find myself tired, burned out, and defeated. True dependence on God requires that we recognize our need to have our lives radically reoriented and reorganized by God. We need His guidance and enabling every minute of every day in every area of our lives.  Ask God to give you the gift of dependence on Him.