If you are struggling with a difficult situation with your teen or young adult here are a few words of encouragement and advice.
*Realize you are not alone. Other Parents have similar experiences. Most important, remember that God is with you. ( ISAIAH 41:10,13 ).
*Find a few trusted friends to share your concerns and pain. Don't hide them, or put on an everything is alright front. ( PROVERBS 17:17 ).
*You are not obligated to explain your family situation to everyone. If curious people probe, merely ask them to pray. ( PROVERBS 10:19 ).
* If you know that you have sinned against one of your children or treated them badly, confess it to them and God, asking forgiveness. ( PROVERBS 28:13 ).
*Hold them accountable for their actions, God dose. ( PROVERBS 20:11 ).
* Refuse to feel guilty or ashamed. Don't allow your children to lay guilt upon you when you know you serve God and them with integrity.
* Love them deeply. Be there for them, but don't always rescue. ( LUKE 15:11-32 ).
* Wait and pray. God is a God of patience and hope. Wait for them to respond. In most cases there will be reconciliation. ( ROMANS 12:12;5:3-5 ).
* Keep going and keep ministering. One of Satan's tactics to attack our family. ( ROMANS 11:29; PROVERBS 24:10 ).
* Submit yourself to God's sovereignty, both in life and in the lives of your children. ( ROMANS 8:28,29 ).
* Keep in mind that God's children, too, rebelled. " The Lord has spoken: I reared children and brought them up, but they have rebelled against Me". ( ISAIAH 1:2 )
Dr. Jerry Whitefield.
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