28 May Strong-Willed Children

I have a very strong willed child!
So strong, so determined, so headset and doesn’t Give up very easily (at all).
I wonder how many times God says this about me! Lol.

A few seasons back I cried almost every other day if not every day, over this.
It is so difficult and so exhausting at times!
I can understand that there are special needs children out there (and worse things)
and that can be even more difficult but I’m not comparing or saying that I’m ungrateful, I’m just stating the simple fact that it can be tough!

In going to the Lord about it, He opened my eyes to see that even though these qualities are tough now,
I will really appreciate them when they are older!
And I have held on to this truth which has helped me over and over and over again!

But this morning as I was so desperate for the Lord’s help again, He showed me that I am trying, through all MY best efforts and strength, to change an individual.
Yes, I understand that I am the mom and it is my responsibility to guide, love, teach, discipline in love, etc….
But I am also trying to change the things that I have no control over.
THE HEART and CHARACTER.

Lord, show me what is my part and what is your part…

He replied,

1)”Your part is to take each thought captive,
during each situation that you both encounter together.”

It’s easy to get caught in the process of ‘stinkin thinkin’
and speaking out negatives like,
‘Why do you always act like that?’
‘What were you thinking?’
Etc…
God wants us to speak life over them and into them (even in the most frustrating of times) because it has power!
(power to bring life and hope or death and destruction).

He also wants us to see from His perspective versus our perspective, into each situation.
Many times when I asked him this, He will show me something beyond my natural ability to see, like heart and motives.
God thank you!

Renewing your mind takes some time in the Word (the bible), which doesn’t happen overnight.
And if you’re not really familiar with the Word then just take it, each situation, at a time.
Many times I often recommend that people type in Google,
‘What does the Bible have to say about this situation?’
and then read and study it out for yourself in the bible, taking time to ponder what God shows you.
God speaks to you (and your own personal situation) as your reading, when you’re listening and leaning on him with ALL of your heart.
This will not only give you the strength and truth that you need,
but it will also keep your heart from getting hardened, bitter and offended during the difficult times.

God also said….
2) ‘Your part is to listen for me
(my voice, leading/guiding, strategy)
for each difficult situation that you both encounter together.’
This is not a one time thing and it’s a continual process.
(just as we are to do with things like, mind- renewal and unforgiveness)
Listening to His voice will give you the confidence and boldness to carry out the task.
When you are focused, it allows you to ACT (with a purpose) rather than REACT…
Because reacting produces guilt, regret and wounding.
(And the enemy wins again, ugh!)

And then He said….
3) ‘Once I have given you the wisdom and guidance for each particular situation than YOU are to pray this out for the both of you, together….
Example
The Bible says to ‘pray about all things and the key in this is, WITH THANKSGIVING’…
The words, with Thanksgiving, means to come from a place in your heart, of humility and hope.
It sounds something like,
Father, help us to see in this situation from your perspective and hear what you would have to say about it.
Forgive me and help me.
Make the change in me, in my heart.
Do what only you can do.

(through this, you are also planting seeds bigger than you know because if you’re consistent in this, this will be a familiar thing with them that will carry into adulthood, and hopefully generations to come.)

I also heard him say….
‘Allow them to be part of YOUR character shaping and heart changing as well.’
Being a part of the process together, in humility and as a family.
The Bible says that we are supposed to confess our sins to one another and pray for one another so why shouldn’t this start in our home?
Setting all pride aside and letting God use them because the Holy Spirit lives in them too.
It allows them to see that you go through the same things and nothing is ‘wrong’ with them.
It allows them to see that we all make mistakes and no one is perfect.
It allows you an opportunity to model and be an example for them to see.

God thank you!
Last night I drove to CVS to pick up some medication to help with some symptoms that I’m experiencing.
My best friend brought my attention that I can cover up the symptoms all I want with the medicine,
but until the ROOT is taken care of the symptoms will continue to surface….
So maybe the things that are MOST frustrating can be simply seen as God showing us that something needs to be dealt with…
Because how do we know until it’s brought to our attention???

Father,
Thank you for what you have shown me today.
Help me in walking out, the wisdom you have given me and others.
Open my eyes to see with fresh perspective (your perspective)
and open my ears to hear your voice.
Your Word says that when we ask for your wisdom, you so freely give it.
Soften hearts.
Search and fill the deepest places within.
Allow me to act with a purpose versus reacting with consequences.
Allow me to be everything, that you so desire and have created, for me to be today.
Love on my children through me and those around me.
Take anything that the enemy has done and turn it around for our good.
You are a God of MIRACLES, so we are expecting you!
Heal and restore us God.
Change me through the circumstances.
And through all of this, may I see you and experience you in a way like never before.