The Journey

Summer Day 32

“For I know the plans I have for you”—this is the Lord’s declaration— “plans for your welfare, not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. You will call to Me and come and pray to Me and I will listen to you. You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart.” Jeremiah 29:11-13 (HCSB)

The Journey

 

This week has been a growing, life changing experience because my oldest son, Kaleb, who is turning 17 and getting his driving license, is embarking upon this world without my “constant” supervision. I have cried out my anxieties and aches before the Lord because the thought of anything catastrophic happening to my son is overwhelming. My Abba has been so gentle with my pain, but He has not let me stay in that dreadful place of fear. He slowly opened my eyes to valid truth–each person has their own journey (Proverbs 3:5-6)

God began to remind me of a few characters in the Bible who had to take their own journey in order to impact this world for His Kingdom.

* Jacob cheated his brother and lied to his father. On his journey back home to see his brother after many years, Jacob was full of fear; however, in the middle of a night he wrestled with an angel, and his fear was replaced with peace. His relationship with his brother was restored and his name changed to Israel.

* Moses had to journey far from home because he committed murder. On his journey, he had an encounter with God in a burning bush. He led God’s people, the Israelites, out of slavery.

* Saul was on a journey to persecute Christians when He had an amazing transformation with Jesus. Saul became Paul and was an amazing missionary of great endurance. He also wrote 13 letters in the New Testament.

All my anxiety boils down to a heart question, “Do I TRUST God?” Honestly, my actions don’t always line up with what I know to be a fact. God has been so faithful to my family and me that trusting Him should be easy, but watching my heart walk out of my body in the form of my son creates conflict between truth and emotions (fear). Freedom is letting go a little at a time as our children begin to embark on their very own journey.

Go Deeper:

1. What fears are holding you back from being the wife/mom you were created to be?

2. Are there any areas that you need to allow your children freedom to embark on their own journey?

What Next:

1. Think of a way to stretch each of your children to begin their own journey. Stretching our children is encouraging them to take their next step in their adventure. It might be potty training, chores, reading on their own, mowing the lawn, having their own devotional time, or owning their faith.

2. Look for ways that your children have started their own journey and verbally acknowledge their progress.

3. Share your God journey with your children as you eat breakfast. Celebrate His faithfulness to you and your family.

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Susan Proctor
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6 Comments on “The Journey”

  1. Love this honest & vulnerable study. Raising kids does bring any fears to the surface. I’ve had to ask this question myself many times, even now with my grand-children: Do I trust God? I love your conclusion – “Freedom is letting go a little at a time as our children begin to embark on their very own journey.” Amen. I’m still releasing too, and learning I can trust God with everything.

  2. As my children experience live in the tween world, I find myself easily irritated by their bad attitudes. But if I don’t allow a reasonable amount of emotional roller coaster riding, then they may resent me in the future. Thanks for this gentle reminder!

  3. This is such a good reminder, Susan! I have a few years before my children will set out on their own, but I am continually learning to let go of fear and follow God.

    1. Thank you Heather! I think it starts young though. We allow our babies to fall asleep on their own, tie their own shoes, and make their own bed. We allow them to fail and find ways to succeed. It is all hard, but it is baby steps for us to adjust slowly.

  4. Susan, this is such an encouraging devotional. It can be so challenging to begin the letting go process with our children. I do know that the Lord is faithful and hears every one of our prayers. He answers them so much better than we ever could. He is trustworthy and has a beautiful plan for the lives of our children.
    He is so good! Thanks for sharing your heart!

    1. It is my pleasure to write what the Lord is teaching me. This has been a life long lesson for me. The truth is that God is trustworthy and He loves our children more because He is perfect love. Waiting on Him is hard, but so worth it because His loving kindness always brings so much more joy!

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