I might be a pretty good mother, and intentional about many important things, but there is one area that I just cannot seem to conquer. I worry.
I claim to trust God with my children. I know that God loves my children even more than I do, and I know that even my parenting is not something I do alone, but something I do with guidance and grace.
However, I can’t seem to rid myself of that awful, nagging certainty that I’m fighting a losing battle.
I have seen it with my own eyes. I have heard the stories. Good kids from good homes who end up pregnant in high school – in middle school, no less. Kids who grow up in the church only to end up leaving it once they get out on their own. Sweet and inquisitive kids who end up becoming apathetic adults at best.
I hate myself for this feeling. I want to be more positive and I want to have more faith that God can and will do a good work through my children, yet I find myself feeling like their future hangs on every decision – homeschool or public school? Are we reading the Bible enough? Spanking or time-outs? Then there are the constant comments about “pastor’s kids” and somewhere along the way I start to feel like my kids are doomed.
Well, the other night, God decided he had had enough.
Don’t ask me what time it was. All I remember is that it was dark. I was rocking my son, hoping he would go to sleep, and somewhere in between the grogginess and the creaking of the rocking chair, I started to worry.
What if it’s not enough? What if despite all my efforts, my children still end up walking away from faith, from God? And that most nagging question of all: How do I raise my children to live in the world, but not of it? After all, the world just seems too big, too tempting, and everywhere I look it appears to be winning.
Then, suddenly, it hit me. “In this world you will find trouble. But take heart, I have overcome the world!”
And all that worry, all that wringing of hands, suddenly left me. Suddenly it was just me and my infant son in that room, in that rocking chair, with only truth for company.
The truth that God is bigger. That yes, the world appears to be winning, but God already won.
I know my children will still have to make their own choices, but I have a reason to hope. Because even though the world is scary, I believe in a God that is bigger. And even though the enemy is real, my God is stronger. And even though the culture we live in is full of lies, the God I serve is nothing but truth.
The world might be big, but my God overcame it. And I’m on the winning side.
By Meredith, Love Rises Up
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Beth says
This is just what I needed to hear today, not that I didn’t already know it, but I really needed to hear it again! It seems that the older our children get and the more time they spend outside our home, the more the world influences them. I give my worry over to God every day, but having truth to fight the lies with is a powerful thing! Thanks for your words this morning!
Vanessa Tachenko says
God brought me through so much hard-ship in such a short time that I literally came to a place where I physically couldn’t worry anymore… my body was so exhausted and beat up that I literally couldn’t worry. Unfortunately that’s wearing off a bit, but I’m getting better at saying, “God this is your problem, not mine. ”
Here’s a link to the post I’m referring to: http://lifelessonshopefaithlove.blogspot.com/2011/12/11-ways-to-achieve-ultimate-peace-in.html
I hope it’s ok to share links on here. If not, let me know! Thanks for sharing by the way!
Dottie says
If I had an extra 250.00 this month I would make an appointment to get my hair cut and colored (yes colored) and get me toes polished! Been along time since I did something nice for myself. Than takemy best friend (my husband out to lunch). Sounds good to me! : )
sandee says
This speaks to me so much this morning as my son prepares to go on a ski trip with his girlfriend. I’ve struggled with fear and worry during most of my sons’ lives. One son is 22 and the other is 19 and I STILL have my times of worry (like today)! They are both wonderful young men but , like you, I always worry about what COULD happen. You’ve reminded again this morning that I have to place all my worries at the foot of the cross and trust in the Lord with all my heart. God bless you.
Jen says
Thank you so much for your wonderful and timely words.
sherry says
My children are grown…and you know what … God still isn’t finished with them – or with me. There is much to be thankful for and a great deal that is amazing grace. Everyday, since they were just tiny bundles in blankets, I have given them to God’s care – and He has been amazing – surprising – generous – and sometimes shocking or even hilarious – going places I didn’t suspect were options. What an adventure – to trust and obey – then to wait and see. Have courage – He is all wise, all powerful, and all love – the final outcome is sealed – so live in victory, not timidly wondering what is to come. Amen?
Heather says
I am not a mother but this was a really nice blog to read. In general, I think the phrase
“The world might be big, but my God overcame it. And I’m on the winning side.”
is great to apply to any kind of worry!
debbie says
If I had another $250 a month, I would put my grandchild in a Christian school
Julie Sunne says
Amen, Meredith!
Lynn Bass says
Dear Meredith,
I have never thought of myself as a worrier but your post made me think that I could be a little worried as the same thoughts cross my mind though I am not a pastor’s wife we are self employed. Thank you for sharing those very incouraging words!!
Sarah says
I always have been a worrier. And it only has gotten worse since my first daughter was born nearly seven years ago. Now, with two more children, my worrying is worse than ever! It is a daily struggle. And I worry about seemingly silly things. Day in, and day out, my heart and mind worry. It almost seems normal now, and I feel like something would be missing if I weren’t worrying about something. I am going to post these words : “In this world you will find trouble. But take heart, I have overcome the world!” somewhere where I can read them continuously, because I need to be reminded of this over and over again until I not just believe it truly, but until I feel it in the place of worry.
Mandy- Mommy Cracked says
Wow. This post is exactly what I have been struggling with all week. Thank you for offering up some encouraging words that really hit home. I needed to read this!
Anonymous says
As a mother, a concern citizen and a follower of Christ we all have the same sentiments towards the future of our children and we can’t help ourselves but to worry. But thank God for His word of promises written unto us.. When we trust Him..it means we completely surrender everything to His care… Jesus Christ comforted us thru His word… Take heart for I have overcome the world… and that is ultimate. Our everlasting God… our loving heavenly Father gives us the assurance and sealed by the blood of Jesus Christ.