teenagers

  • Ever Found Yourself Arguing With God?

    "Do you still want to argue with the Almighty?
You are God's critic,
but do you have the answers?"
Job 40:2

     

    Have you ever had a teenager living in your house?  It’s a strange phase in the cycle of life. Throughout childhood my kids adored me.  They asked question after question and listened to my words as if I had the answers to every question under the sky.  My kids were never satisfied to just know ‘HOW’ or ‘WHAT’.  They’re like their momma and had to know ‘WHY’; especially my Brandon!

    Overnight my kids became teenagers, and suddenly they had answers for everything.  They no longer wanted to ask me for anything but money and discussions too often turned into arguments.

    Now as young adults, my ‘kids’ call or text me with lots of questions. They’re back asking for advice in the areas of life, love, finances and more. I’ve even had some, “I’m sorry I didn’t listen mom” conversations. My kids have changed from my doting darlings, to my biggest critics and now are some of my loudest cheerleaders.  Encouraging me to write, speak and make a difference in this world!

    I think we follow this same life cycle with God.

    In Luke 18:16, Jesus said,

    "Let the children come to me.
Don't stop them!
For the Kingdom of God belongs to those
who are like these children.”

    Why does Jesus say this? I think it’s because children come in trust believing their parents can do anything.  When Job was going through his time of testing he starts out with child-like faith in God but then digresses to a position of “God’s critic”. Job questions God at every level.  Our loving heavenly Father allows Job to fire out these questions.  His quandaries on why he’s suffering.  Once God feels Job’s gotten it all off his chest, God has a few questions of His own. God essentially asked Job these three questions:

    1. Who created the earth and everything in it?
    2. Who controls the functions of the earth, the: tides, weather, light and darkness?
    3. Who created and cares for the animals and birds; creating within them life patterns and placing a destiny inside of them?

    The answer to every question is God.

    After Job quieted his questions and listened to God’s answers he changed from “God’s critic” to singing God’s praises!  In chapter 42, Job begins to brag on how good God is when he says, “I know that you can do anything”.

    Have You Ever Found Yourself Arguing With God?

    In the same way your teenager can go from your biggest critic to your fondest fan, so we need to change. Learn to lay down your criticism and fear to see that the God who created everything is the ONE who keeps it all together and holds you in His hands.

    Prayer

    Father…I’m sorry for the times I’ve come at you with an argument prepared, telling you what I think and how You should do things.  Help me to come with child-like faith, trusting in you as I pray.  May my heart and words express Your goodness for all the world to know; including me.  God You are good.  In Jesus Name…Amen

    [tweetthis]Have You Ever Found Yourself Arguing With God? [/tweetthis]

    Writing this devotion made me think of a quote I read years ago and my Facebook friends Andrea and Lisa helped me find it again.  Thanks Girls <3   I think you’ll all enjoy it!When I was Ten Mark Twain

    Soul H2O BookIf you liked the refreshing in this #SoulH2O devotion, you’ll love my latest Soul H2O Devotional book: 40 Thirst Quenching Devotions for Women.

      

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    Drawing From The Well-Blue

    1. Job 40:2
    2. Luke 18:16
    3. Isaiah 45:9
    4. Job 42:1

    blogger prayerYOU CAN OFTEN FIND ME LINKING UP WITH:
    MONDAY     Monday Meditations – Laura J. Davis, Soul Survival – Donna Reidland,
    TUESDAY Cheerleaders of Faith #RARaLinkup – Kelly Balarie,
    WEDNESDAY Coffee For Your Heart – Holley Gerth, Word Nerd Wednesdays — Liz Giertz
    THURSDAY Heart Encouragement Thursday – Crystal Storms, Chasing Community – Barbara Bradford Ottinger
    FRIDAY Dance With Jesus Linkup – Susan B. Mead, Grace and Truth Linkup – Arabah Joy, Counting My Blessings – Deb Wolf, Fresh Market Friday – Crystal Twaddell ELLEN’S PICKS– Ellen Graf-Martin 

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  • 13. Created With A Free Will

    “The woman said to the serpent, We may eat fruit from the trees in the garden….”
    Genesis 3:2 NIV

    Parenting when my kids were little seemed much easier; more tiring, but easier. I loved when I could set their bedtimes, meal plans, and friends through planned playdates along with my activity choices. They followed the schedule set for them. Then the teenage years hit and I began to lose control. As a youth leader in church I saw how most youth reacted rebelliously when their parents enforced a strong control over their teenager’s will. To ensure I didn’t make this fatal error I learned to keep cutting those apron strings till my blades were dull. Allowing my kids to choose and live by the consequences of their free will has been the most difficult part of parenting for me.

    God created Adam and Eve In The Beginning, with a free will. They were able to choose who to listen to, who to follow, what to do and what to think. This freedom comes with a great deal of responsibility. Sadly, Adam and Eve exercised their liberty to listen to the enemy, make choices contrary to what God told them and cater to their selfish desires.

    Many times I’ve felt like Paul when he said, “I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do… I want to do what is good, but I don’t. I don’t want to do what is wrong, but I do it anyway..” In Romans 7:15,19.

    [tweetthis]I’ve often thought it would have been easier if God hadn’t given me a #freewill[/tweetthis]

    That way I wouldn’t mess up so much.

    And then I think about parenting my kids, or the other relationships in my life.

    I don’t want to make my kids do the right thing, I want them to choose for themselves to do the right thing. I don’t want them to obey me out of fear, but out of acceptance that I know what’s best, and want the best for them. I don’t want to force my husband to love me, I want him to love me in his own free will.

    So, what are you doing with your free will?   Do you let your freedom draw you closer to, or further away from God? Choose today to employ your free will to love God more. Allow the liberty you’ve been given to make right choices, following God’s Word; understanding your heavenly Father knows and wants what’s best for you. He always has, right from The Beginning!

    Prayer

    Father…I thank You for believing in me enough to give me the freedom to choose. Too often I make the wrong choices and have to suffer the consequences, but I’m so glad you don’t just leave me there. Help me to gain confidence in my ability to exercise my free will in ways that would honor You, bringing me into a deeper relationship with You. In Jesus Name…Amen

    #Dare2Share your struggles with free will?
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