I don't know what my kids need.
Actually, I do. Of course. They need Jesus. They need protection. They need guidance. They need love. (And I suppose they think they need a little side of bacon.)
Otherwise, when it comes to the specifics, I truly don't know what to ask when talking to God about them. During the past few years, I've found
myself shifting from specific prayer (based on what I think is best for them) to trusting prayer (knowing that only God knows the details of what is truly best for them).
My prayers have turned from "Help them to succeed at this thing today and please give them XYZ" to "I trust you with my kids, Father. You know what's best for them. Help them to seek you in this.
Help them to know you're taking care of them. Provide for them. Protect them. I trust you."
I trust you, I trust you, I trust you. This is what I say to God any time (all the time!) I'm tempted to start worrying about my four sons. Worry helps nothing and fills my heart and mind with chaos. Putting my trust in God calms me and fills me with peace instead of
fear.
I caught myself being tempted to do it again this week (and yesterday and five minutes ago). Ugh! Our boys are at a church camp, and I started to pray, "God please give Justus XYZ this week." but then I realized...hmmm, is that actually what he needs? Or does he need something else? I really don't know.
But God knows. Yes, yes, yes!!
So my prayer turned into, "God, I trust you to provide for Justus. You know exactly what He needs. You want good for him. I trust you. Help him to seek you and hear you. Thank you for loving him so perfectly."
We serve an amazing Father who knows all and provides all - for us and for our kids! Let's rest in this truth, find peace in the truth, and live fully in this truth!
I want to say thank you to all who have joined us in making the
launch of The Prayer Mugs such a success. To know that so many of you are choosing to be in the Word and in peaceful, trusting prayer about your kids while delving into the pages of this book is so refreshing and encouraging to me!
Parents, we can be at peace and live in joy as we raise our kids and trust God with them! We can! He promises this and gives us all good gifts faithfully!
