You cannot just give God 90% of your trust

What may seem like little disagreements with our teenager may soon turn into bigger battles when we will try to handle the problem ourselves instead of giving it over to God through prayer. We can not give 90% of our problems over to God and expect God to take over. God knows even if He did fix 90% of your problem that the other 10% that your holding on to will just mess up everything that He has done for you. 

We have to acknowledge that God is a bigger God than any problem that we will ever have. It is from this place of total submission and humility that God is ready to mold us and shape us to His Will. Whether we are a parent, or a family member trying to work things out. It starts with trust and a spirit of cooperation between God, you and your loved one. He will bring you to a wonderful place of unconditional love and total forgiveness. A place in your heart where you will cherish the love that you have for your teenager. A place where healing begins, where you will start to use your heart to speak from a place of respect instead of power.

I know this to be true, because I have tried the ways of meeting force with force believing that I am the parent therefore I am right. It doesnt work, we as a parent may win the battle but we weill lose the war.  It's not an issue about your right and your teenager is wrong. It's about understanding that your teenager is facing issues that are much bigger than what we as parents went through growing up.

Once you understand that your teenager just need to be themselves and put your trust in God that it is He that is in control. You will become more approachable to your kids, and instead of driving them away to someone else for advice. They will seek you out because you will start to become more relaxed in your demeanor.

"To the man who pleases him, God gives wisdom, knowledge and happiness." Ecclesiastes 2:26

God has a way of shaping us where we have no choice but to turn to him. Where we quit trying to be in control of our lives and turn to Him. I know, because as a parent, over the years. I have shed many tears trying to do or say the right thing to raise my own right. It was until I gave it completely over to God and said, I can't do this without you, please come into my life and show me what to do. It was like a great weight was lifted off my shoulders. Like God was always right there, just waiting for me to be shaped and molded like clay. God had to wait until I gave Him 100% of my trust that He will raise my child with His blessings and favors. And from that day when I say a prayer that He watches over my daughter.

When I talk to God about protecting my daughter, I no longer say watch over "my" daughter, I say; "Dear God I thank you because I know you will watch over "our" daughter because she is yours first before before I was a father to her, and your are already protecting her before I even ask and I am honored to be  trusted as a steward to help you raise her so that she can carry out her purpose in your grand design of glorifying your name. 

Now when I shed tears, they are tears of joy of giving God thanks for being in total control of my life and my family.

"Blessed is the man who makes the Lord his trust." Psalm 40:4

You see, having great faith comes from having great trust in God that He is in total control of you and your loved ones destiny. Even if you don't see it happening yet. Remember it is impossible to please God without faith and faith without works is dead. So use your faith and give God all of your trust and He will move heaven and earth to bless you.

"And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exsists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him. Hebrews 11:6

Your teenager is still the very same child that you held in your arms the very first day that they were born. They may act bigger and sometimes a little more disrespectful than you approve of but they still love you. Your teenager needs your help as they did as a young child, they still have the same fears, hopes, and dreams from when they were still a young child where they depended on you for your wisdom and strength and guidance. "Love your children, love your teenager"

"Fathers do not embitter your children, or they will become discouraged." Colossians 3:21

 God believes in you

Reverend Michael Cartwright

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