I didn’t expect all the challenges I would face when my daughters entered high school.
I knew things would be okay because God was with me. He would take care of the challenges, give me the correct answers, and make everything right. After all, I was a woman of faith.
Well, my faith evaporated like ice cubes left in the hot sun. I had to decide about parties, friends, curfews, makeup, skirt length, phone privileges, and discipline. I knew I had to bring them up to love the Lord above all else, but wondered if I was giving them mixed messages when they saw me lose my temper and yell at them. Did that show God’s love?
Raising kids in the eighties and nineties was different than today. It was even more different when Solomon penned the proverb, Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. I didn’t have to deal with cell phones, the internet, foul language on the airways, music laden with obscenities, sex education beginning in kindergarten, schools that follow a curriculum opposed to Christian values, a constant flow of bad news, and inappropriate behavior on television shows and movies.
Although the time was different, my mother’s love and concern were the same. There was a time when I was so desperate for answers that I poured out my heart to Jesus. If You are really there, why aren’t You answering my prayers? Don’t You see what’s happening? Don’t You care?
When I did, Jesus spoke the verse from Proverbs to my heart. Circumstances may have changed, but Jesus is the same yesterday, today, and forever. When discouragement comes, we can trust in God’s goodness.
No matter your circumstances, remember God loves you. His Word is true, and you can count on it. He is working behind the scenes to accomplish more than you could ever imagine.
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Judy Linck is a registered nurse who has fifteen years in the psychiatric field. For many years, she has volunteered in her church’s counseling ministry, offering hope to those who struggled with depression, anger, grief, and other personal struggles. She writes what she hears the Lord speak to her heart. At the present time, she is writing a book filled with other words the Lord has spoken to her. Her book will be titled, My Jesus, My Child. She can be emailed at myjesusmychild@gmail.com.