Today is my eldest daughter’s birthday. She’s an incredibly strong, young woman. She’s a positive, loving wife. She’s a patient, joyful mom. She’s a creative, diligent worker who fiercely loves Jesus. She’s a fighter who knows her strongest defense is on her knees and her best offense is found in the Word of God and by leaning on His promises. Today I can relate with John when he wrote in 3 John 1:4 “I have no greater joy than to hear my children are walking in the truth.” (NIV)
As I recall the fear I felt 26 years ago, when we brought that beautiful bundle home, I am amazed at God’s gracious goodness. I was terrified I won’t be the perfect parent. I wasn’t- but God was the perfect Father.
I have prayed oh, so much for her over the years, and now not only pray for her, but for her precious family as well. I could not be prouder of the person she is, or more astonished of how God has answered my many prayers for her. And how He did some things I never requested but were perfect for her anyway. He knew.
Mamas and Daddies, there is great joy in surrendering your children to God. Oh, it’s agonizingly painful and terrifying and you wonder, how could I ever?
But let me tell you, the best place to leave our children is at the feet of Jesus. He knows we love them. And guess what? He loves them even more than we do.
God authored your life and my life, and He authors our children’s lives. He knows the mistakes they’ll make and the tears they’ll cry. He also knows the leaps they’ll make in their faith when they finally realize God is waiting to lead and guide them throughout their days.
If you are a parent struggling today, struggling to truly surrender your child into His hands, please know you aren’t alone. Because as proud of her as I am, when I see her on FaceTime or read her text, I want to reach through that phone, across the country and embrace her, never letting her go. Never letting anything painful happen ever again. She might be grown up, but that distance is too much at times! But then I recount how God has held her and cared for her and grown her, and I know I need to trust her with Him, again.
So, let’s lean on one another, love on each other, and trust God to supply what we need, in order to surrender our dear ones to Him.
Will you join me in a prayer for just that?
Prayer: Dear Lord, You know the deep love I have for my children. You know the tears I’ve cried, prayers I’ve whispered, and the hurt my heart felt for them. God, this is how You feel over me- unbelievable! Grow my faith just a little more tonight, help me once more to surrender this child to You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Wise advice! I love how you noticed God does things we don’t even ask for [because agape love is intelligently, intensely, willing the best for someone].
Susan, Yes He does! Have a blessed weekend, and thank you for reading!
“The best place to leave our children is at the feet of Jesus.” I love that! I share custody of my two sweet kiddos with their dad who I left because of abuse. It is so hard to send them off each week wondering if they are safe. I am going to keep this phrase in mind. I am not leaving them at the feet of their father but at the feet of THE father.
Kayla,
I am tucking your name in my Bible at Luke 10:39. Every time I see it, I will pray for you and your children. Dear Lord, You go with these precious children. Please keep them safe, always. Please hold Kayla’s mama heart in peace as she dutifully shares her kids. Please work a miraculous change in this daddy’s heart and may he come to know You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.