INTRODUCTION:
Nothing prepares us for
parenting.
Shelia Wray Gregoire says,
“Some degree of fear is natural in parents. We love our kids so much that the
thought of anything bad happening to them sends us into a panic. Yet, if we’re
not careful, this caution can become oppressive. When we let fear dominate our
parenting, we can actually shield our kids from the very things they need to be
dealing with.”
Who were good parent role
models in your life?
Have you emulated them in
your parenting?
What does a nurturing home
environment look like?
WE DON’T PARENT ALONE:
Previously extended families
lived in the same home or on the same farm. People were less mobile and spent
more time together. Then it became the norm that extended families lived
further away- now it seems more and more parents are moving closer to adult
children to help with parenting.
Without help of extended
families there are friends and “adoptive” families and church family to help.
Of course God is always
available 24/7.
James 1:5-
All we need to do is call
upon our Father and he will help. Of course, I like instant messaging better. J
What is your biggest fear in
raising children? Why?
How does knowing God wants to
give you comfort help with parenting fears?
Name a fear you have
conquered concerning your parenting. How have your overcome this fear?
GOD ENABLES US TO DO WHAT HE
REQUIRES:
When feeling overwhelmed it
helps to look back upon fears that we have conquered or times that we felt
similar. We can then see the outcomes
and rest assured that the end will come.
1 Samuel 17:37 and 47 b-
David and Goliath- When David was about to face Goliath he remembered how God
had given him strength before and he trusted him in this time of need.
All of us face our own
Goliaths they just look different.
A practical solution is to
list times in our past when God “came to the rescue” things that brought us
fear. This list will be a reminder to us of God’s faithfulness in all times. Refer
to it and times of anxiety.
PRAY WITHOUT CEASING:
Isaiah 41:10 God is the
ultimate protector. Things can happen to our children and with our parenting no
matter what we may do.
Endless prayers include:
safety, health… We all know of tragedies that happen with children and yet we
can not always provide the protection needed from these things- God is the
ultimate protector- yet things still happen that we fear.
Share from Praying the
Scriptures for Your Children p.
116-117
1 Thessalonians 5:17 “Pray
continually” without ceasing to the One who never ceases to hear.
What is the most important
thing we can pray for concerning our children? (A top- ten list)
APPLICATION:
Wray says that “It’s easy to
think that we have control over our children’s futures. The fact is, most of
the time, our kids’ lives turn out completely different than we plan.” And yet
God is not surprised!
God fashioned these works of
art and carefully placed them in our arms. He waits nearby to help us with any
need.
1 Peter 5:7 God cares about
what we care about.
Matthew7:11 God is waiting to
give to us and to bless us
Proverbs 22:6 God instructs
us to train our children. He assures us that the training will stay with our
children. It is assuring to know that even if our children stray from the path
we have trained them to follow they will return- Remember the prodigal
son?! Also works for us- because even
when we as God’s children “blow it” he welcomes us back with open arms ready to
throw a party for us!
Share a hope you have for
your child in their future.
What is one character trait
that you possess that you hope does not get passes down to your children?
Other than prayer, what else
do you do or can you do to encourage your child’s spiritual growth?
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