Parenting With Hope: 9 Days of Gospel-Centered EncouragementSample

Day 9 – Parenting with Hope

I wish we could sit down for lunch or for coffee and you could tell me about your teens. I’d love to hear about the joys you’re experiencing, as well as discuss the struggles you’re facing. Whatever you are going through today, I’m praying from 2 Chronicles 20. There, we read the story of King Jehoshaphat. He was warned of a great multitude that was coming against Israel, ready to do battle. Jehoshaphat was afraid and sought the Lord. Recognizing his helplessness, he prayed, “O our God...we are powerless against this great horde that is coming against us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you” (2 Chronicles 20:12). Whatever we are facing as parents, this can be our prayer: We don’t know what to do, but our eyes are on you.

God met Jehoshaphat’s prayer with these words of encouragement: “‘You will not need to fight in this battle. Stand firm, hold your position, and see the salvation of the Lord on your behalf, O Judah and Jerusalem.’ Do not be afraid and do not be dismayed...the Lord will be with you” (2 Chronicles 20:17). Without God, we have every reason to be fearful and fretful. With God, we can parent with hope, raising teens for Christ in a secular culture. We have his promises, his power, and his presence. Stand firm, hold your position, and may you see the salvation of the Lord on your behalf.

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We hope this plan was helpful to you. You can read more from Melissa Kruger in her book, Parenting with Hope, available here.