The Marriage Toolkit - Parent EditionSample

Tool #4 - Roots

Being a parent is wonderful, but it seems as though the more you seek God and get closer to Him, the harder the enemy tries to attack you. Because of these attacks, we have experienced self-doubt and felt helpless. However, being rooted in faith has taught us to seek the truth in these moments of weakness, which normally reveals the enemy’s attack.

As you step through the other three tools, you may feel your family come under attack. We conquer these attacks by talking it out and praying for each other (which usually makes for a peaceful night of sleep).

We experienced this early on, so not only did we have to have our faith deeply rooted, but we had to teach our children how to establish these roots as well. Because, once the enemy realizes your marriage can withstand his attacks, he will turn his attention to your kids.

When our kids were younger, it seemed like they would take turns having trouble falling asleep. We would pray and recite verses together every night, but for some reason, this didn’t seem to be enough on some nights. They would drag their little selves out of bed, come find us, and we would all join together in prayer, claiming authority over what God has blessed us with.

Because of this foundation of faith, our kids know how to recognize these attacks and conquer them using God’s word in prayer. Please understand, this won’t just happen on its own. You have to work to grow your faith together as a family.

There are a few simple ways to grow your roots together:

First, establish a family devotional time. Come together, sing a worship song, pray, and read God’s word. This shows the importance of establishing and keeping a relationship with God.

Second, find a church home and make sure the kids will get as much from the service as you do. Have conversations about what you are all receiving from the Word and time in church. Whether the kids have been in service with you or in their own service, ask questions to ensure they’ve understood the message for that day.

Third, find a way to serve others as a family. Get involved with serving at your church. Show your kids that serving others is being more like Christ and will grow roots of service like He did.

We’re living in a world that looks scary no matter what direction you turn. But when you grow your roots, as a family, deep down in God, through His Word, you will be able to withstand any storm this world puts you through.

Engagement Point: Check your foundation. If the structure of your marriage/family doesn’t look exactly how you want it to, start applying God to the weak points. Worshipping, praying, and reading His word together will help root your marriage and family on a firm foundation.