Not knowing who God made us to be, trying to be who we are not, or even just desiring to be someone else, can only lead to a life of misery, frustration and unfulfillment.” (pg.83)
I have to admit that this chapter was a challenge for me personally. I know that it is another wonderful intercessory tool for covering my children in prayer, but I couldn’t help but see life as an adult all over that chapter.
Who hasn’t wondered from time to time “what am I doing and how did I get here?” I know I have, especially recently. I am finding it a daily challenge right now to overcome my feelings of inadequacy, frustration with our house and being overwhelmed. Although I know exactly where all these thoughts are coming from it would be easy to buy into it.
“You can be sure that at some point such persons bought into a lie that says, ‘Who I am is not good enough. I need to be someone else.'” (pp.85&86)
She was talking about adults who end up living miserable and unfruitful lives because they did not follow his plan, but it totally reminds me that I need to sit back and leave Him in control. If I am struggling with refusing these thoughts for myself as a thirty something mom of 6, how much more of a challenge must it be for a 10 year old or 12 year old who is beginning to go through some major confusing changes in their lives?
Over the last few years I have found myself having discussions with my older sons that are about many things that will direct or happen in their futures. Qualities in choosing a mate, choices they make along the way having consequences on their futures, choosing a career, and so on. A little more recently I have also added in, “What do you think God has in store for you when you grow up?”. I think this is a great question to direct to my children as it gets them thinking about their future, but better yet, who’s in charge. By asking that question it is clear that they need to look to God for direction ~ after all, he knew their future before they were even born!!! All the child has to do is seek Him!
I know I need to let them know that just because they are in God’s will doesn’t mean that life will be perfect. Far from it, there will be many bumps in the road. But I can also teach them that God uses these “bumps” for His purpose to help them grow. Giving them a few more tools for the journey ahead.
So the challenge with this chapter ultimately may not be solely in praying for our children to become the person God has created them to be . . . it may be just as much a challenge for us to remember who He has called us to be as well!
A few thoughts for the journey:
“Be even more diligent to make your calling and election sure, for if you do these things you will never stumble.” 2 Peter 1:10
“We know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren.” Romans 8:28~29