The Strength to Let Go

They take a step, and you let them toddle across the room.

They pedal awkwardly, find their balance, and you let go of the bike.

You drive them to school, walk them to the door.

Then you let them ride the bus.

Then they drive themselves away.

Parenting seems to be a series of letting go. Every year you have less control over them, less time with them, less of a grip on them. And you wonder if they will do the right thing on their own, or if you will lose them altogether.

In John 17, Jesus prays heart-fully for his beloved disciples. As he faces death and separation from them, he shows us that he is releasing them into his Father’s hands.

Holy Father, I am no longer in the world. I am coming to you, but my followers are still in the world. So keep them safe by the power of the name you have given me. Then they will be one with each other, just as you and I are one. While I was with them, I kept them safe by the power you have given me. I guarded them, and not one of them was lost, except the one who had to be lost. This happened so that what the Scriptures say would come true.

John 17:11-12 (CEV)

God gave us our children much as God gave Jesus his disciples (John 17:6). Jesus did what he was charged to do in leading them. So must we with our little ones. And Jesus also let go when his work was done, releasing his dear friends to the heavenly Father’s care. And so must we with our little ones.

Jesus tells his disciples that after he leaves the Holy Spirit would come to them (John 16:7). The Spirit would guide them and help strengthen their faith in God. We can be assured that as our children learn to trust the Lord, growing in reliance on the Holy Spirit to guide their lives, their faith will increase, and they will be kept safe in God’s hands.

As our children toddle, walk, run, and drive away, we pray for them. We must give them to the Father’s care. When you can no longer protect them, entrust them. Know that for them to take the next step, to learn to trust the Lord, and to gain intimacy with him, you can’t be the middleman anymore. As you release, they can grasp.

After all, if we don’t let go, we hold them back.

Pray

Oh Lord, I don’t like this! But I entrust my children to you. May they feel your presence and comfort, especially when I cannot be there. May they learn to trust you for themselves. And please hold us close through this. Amen.

Time to Talk

Conversation starter for kids: Provides you with questions and prompts to facilitate a time of applicable discussion with children to lead them towards knowing God and His Word more deeply.

Question(s): When do you ask God for help? How do you know when he shows up?

Apply: Part of training our kids is teaching them how to rely on God. This practice will help them when we are no longer there to guide them. Remind them of this . . . and remind yourself, too!

KEEP IT GOING

Related passages: These additional verses will help parents expand Scriptural knowledge and place on the armor of God’s Word to tackle each day. Swipe to read the passages today.

John 14:16-18

John 16:26-27