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No one on this earth is perfect. Two of the biggest problems that have hindered good parenting are:
Either attitude would bring despair in old age. But praise be to God, we have the promises of forgiveness ‘if we confess our sins’ and restoration ‘if we repent’ and ask God to change our thinking. Notice the following promises:
Let’s use God’s dealing with the rebellious Israelites as an example. Even after all of His gentle leading and providing, the priests and leaders (those who knew the most) transgressed against His principles. What did God say? "There I will yet contend with you," declares the Lord, "and with your sons’ sons I will contend." (Jeremiah 2:9)We can rest in the faithfulness of our God to save our children, for it says in Isaiah 49:24-25: "Can the prey be taken from the mighty man, or the captives of a tyrant be rescued?" Surely, thus says the Lord, ‘Even the captives of the mighty man will be taken away, and the prey of the tyrant will be rescued; for I will contend with the one who contends with you, and I will save your sons.’"
Another promise for parents whose children do not know the Lord’s way or have fallen away is: "This is what the Lord says: ‘Restrain your voice from weeping and your eyes from tears, for your work will be rewarded,’ declares the Lord. ‘They will return from the land of the enemy. So there is hope for your future,’ declares the Lord. ‘Your children will return to their own land.’" (Jeremiah 31:16-17)In all of this we must remember that our heavenly Father lost some of His children also. Lucifer and one-third of the angels rebelled against His love and counsel and chose a different route. In His wisdom, every created being has the power of choice, since our Creator did not desire that we should serve Him from fear or force. Even the first parents on this earth experienced the heartache of their firstborn being a murderer. They saw the results of their choices early on and in that process learned the forgiveness and restoration of a loving Heavenly Father and the joy of obedience. Your prayers will always be heard by the same loving Father God as you accept the forgiveness and love He offers and faithfully intercede for your family. Suggestions for prayer focus are in the section of this study entitled: "Prayers and Promises From God’s Word for the Family". However, there may be some "mending" to do that would speed your prayers for your children. Let's take a look at the link on "Dealing With An Unbelieving Or Rebellious Family Member". |
If you are a parent or a grandparent who feels that you did not follow
the principles of raising your children in the knowledge of their Lord,
this section is for you.
Naturally, the "tyrant" and the "one who contends with
you" is Satan, our ultimate enemy. And Jesus has already rendered him
a defeated foe.|
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