“And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; And patience, experience; and experience, hope: And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.”
Romans 5:3-5 KJV
What have the trials of your life taught you? How do your past experiences enable you to face new challenges? What experiences have you gone through that allow you to encourage and help others? How have your experiences given you hope that you can share with others?
Once upon a time, I was a mom of 4 kids under 5, (3 in diapers) living in a 2 bedroom trailer, and I thought I would never survive. I was overwhelmed and exhausted and couldn’t figure out which way was up. But I survived, they all were potty trained eventually, and they are now all semi-self-sufficient teenagers.
Which brings me to another life experience that I wonder if I will survive. Parenting teenagers is a different kind of challenge. Just like when they were babies, there are some very precious moments, there are some great memories. We have real conversations. I still comfort when they hurt. There are battles of the wills, temper tantrums (them & me). Sleepless nights. A struggle to communicate.
But they are older now and working to figure out who they are and what they want to do and who God created them to be. They have to experience some natural consequences for the choices they make. They have to use some motivation to accomplish the things they want. They have to dream and make their faith their own. And sometimes that’s really scary as a parent. And there doesn’t seem to be moms-of-teenagers support groups.
One thing I know, the God who created me, and created each one of my unique kids, He is with me. He carried me through toddlerhood and preschoolers, through school changes and thankfully a move to a larger home. He walked with me through potty training, homework, and discipline issues. He is the same God. He is still with me. He is with you. He still provides. So I live with hope toward the growth and eventual launching of my children, because God still loves them and wants what’s best for them. And God is using all things for His glory.
#Write28Days #HopeWriterLife #BestKidsEver #1000gifts #ThatSameGod #GodWithUs #JesusOnlyJesus #SoulSurrender
Julie A Wilson 