Purposed Parent Connected Child Podcast Episode 133 - Stop Getting in God's Way: Let Him Parent Through You
Welcome to the Purposed Parent/Connected Child podcast – Episode 133 – Stop Getting in God’s Way: Let Him Parent Through You
Thank you for sharing your day with me. I pray this podcast gives you the awareness and tools you need to STOP being a GOOD mom and BECOME the GODLY mom God entrusts you to be. Then you will be the SET-APART woman PURPOSELY raising children to chase CHRIST over culture.
Before we start today’s episode, I want to invite you to work with me. If you’re feeling overwhelm instead of overjoy, or you simply feel you don’t have time to do all the things you think will help your kids know Christ, send me a message at info@terrihitt.com. There is a way to alleviate frustration or fear and find freedom as a godly mom. No matter the age of your kids, from infant to adult, your relationship can improve and you can find greater connection with Jesus that will affect theirs. Send me a message today for info about how easy it is to work together and begin experiencing change for only $397.
Now, let's talk about how to stop getting in God's way, so you can let Him parent through you.
One of the best revelations a follower of Christ can make is jumping into and abiding in the arms of God. People often remark that they’re walking with God, or holding His hand. I want you to be intentional. Go deeper.
Our Heavenly Father never belongs by our side. The Lord of All, Prince of Peace, Author and Perfecter of our Faith, and the Alpha and Omega holds out His strong and capable arms, ready for us to rest and abide within His arms. This means He isn’t behind or beside us. Instead, He is the One carrying and sustaining you through every disturbance, disruption, and delight.
Where are you now? Are you abiding in the Father’s arms? Or are you choosing to trust Jesus for eternity, but not for each moment?
Matthew 14:22-33 says, “Immediately He made the disciples get into the boat and go before Him to the other side, while He dismissed the crowds. And after He had dismissed the crowds, He went up on the mountain by Himself to pray. When evening came, He was there alone, but the boat by this time was a long way from the land, beaten by the waves, for the wind was against them. And in the fourth watch of the night He came to them, walking on the sea. But when the disciples saw Him walking on the sea, they were terrified, and said, “It is a ghost!” and they cried out in fear. But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, “Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid.” And Peter answered Him, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.” He said, “Come.” So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came to Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, “Lord, save me.” Jesus immediately reached out His hand and took hold of him, saying to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased. And those in the boat worshiped Him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.”
What a decision Peter made! He chose to step out of the boat and into the choppy, stormy waters to walk toward Jesus. While His eyes and mind were centered on Jesus, Peter actually walked on the water! When his focus slipped away from Christ and fell to self and surroundings, Peter experienced fear, panic, and difficulties. Jesus had not moved; He had not changed. Jesus remained centered on Peter and ready to care for him. Peter’s mind moved away from Jesus and he began to sink.
Focus marks the distinction between faith and fear.
Are you choosing to focus on self, the world and those around you, or on the Only One who can carry you?
While it is easy to blame Peter and belittle his faith, he was willing to be the one who walked toward Jesus. Peter was willing to leave the other disciples, leave what he knew, and venture alone into the turbulent waters toward Jesus. The other men remain unchanged and unmoving inside the boat while Peter took the risk of trusting Christ.
Why did the others remain in the boat? Why didn’t they walk with Peter?
Why is it so difficult to place and keep our mind, heart, and focus on Christ?
What do people struggle to trust God with each occasion and stage of life?
There are actually multiple reasons. Let’s look at what the most common causes are and how we can turn to Scripture to battle them.
1. Trust– It can be difficult to trust or believe in what we cannot see.
Hebrews 11:1 says, “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.”
John 20:29 says, “Jesus said to him, “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”
2. Worry/Anxiety– It’s easy to imagine what might happen and allow our thoughts to spiral out of control.
Anxiety and stress are products of this world, not by-products of the Way.
1 Peter 5:7 says, “Casting all your anxieties on him, because He cares for you.”
Matthew 6:31-34 says, “Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.”
3. Control– We don’t want to relinquish our perceived control.
Matthew 11:28 says, “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”
Philippians 4:6 says, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.”
The only One who holds control is our Father. You weren’t meant to be in charge. Release the need and trust as you lay in His hands.
4. Doubt– When things don’t go the way we desire or think they should or if we begin to wonder why there is hardship and evil in the world, doubt can begin to creep in.
Hebrew 11:1 says, “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.”
Matthew 6:30 says, “But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will He not much more clothe you, O you of little faith?”
5. Sinfulness– I also like to call this selfishness. When we don’t want to give up sin, we are choosing self over Christ. We’re also choosing self over our family. Personal sin always affects those who love us.
1 Corinthians 6:19-20 says, “Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.”
Romans 7:22-23 says, “For I delight in the law of God, in my inner being, but I see in my members another law waging war against the law of my mind and making me captive to the law of sin that dwells in my members.”
6. Arrogance/Pride– Pride rears up in each of us through different ways. Whether it be entitlement, perfectionism, bragging, if we think we are superior to someone or deserve something more than another, the root of each thought ties back to arrogance or pride.
James 4:6 says, “But He gives more grace. Therefore it says, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”
James 4:10 says, “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will exalt you.”
7. Unworthiness– Each of us was bought with a price. The life of Jesus was exchanged so that we could begin to understand our great worth to God.
Isaiah 43:18 says, “Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old.”
Jeremiah 29:11 says, “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.”
Matthew 6:26 says, “Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?”
8. Fear– When fear creeps in, it’s because we’ve taken our mind and eyes off of God and centered them on self or surroundings. Every time I have felt fear even begin to touch me I stop and focus on Jesus (and in my mind I actually picture blinders on my face that force my vision upwards on God). As I rest in His presence and pray to Him about the situation I am fearing, He takes the burden and calms any fears. It is said that God leaves the message “Do not fear” 365 times in the Bible. I'm not sure whether that is an accurate count, but I trust that the Lord gives us the command as many times as needed. He knows our thoughts can easily be distracted and move from His sovereign holiness and perfect provision and protection.
Psalm 34:4 says, “I sought the LORD, and He answered me and delivered me from all my fears.”
Psalm 115:11 says, “You who fear the LORD, trust in the LORD! He is their help and their shield.”
John 14:27 says, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.”
9. Faith– Perhaps our belief doesn’t feel real or big enough. Maybe difficult times in the past, unanswered prayers, or present hardships may cause us to feel like God has forsaken us or that He isn’t real. Each of the points we discussed can arguably return back to the thought of faith that is too little. But remember, God’s Word tells us all we need is a faith the size of a mustard seed. Plant that seed and let it grow and mature through Christ.
James 1:2-4 says, “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.”
Romans 8:18 says, “For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.”
We each know how easy it can be to allow self or situations to distract us and move our eyes off Christ. Being aware of this offers us the opportunity to purposely prepare to be ahead of our next season of trials. Intentionally living in ways that set us up to trust God gives us assurance that our focus will not be easily swayed this moment or tomorrow. That’s the only way to be able to mentor this behavior full of faith and trust to your children. Without you living in ways that magnify the Lord and His mighty work in your life, your testimony won’t influence generations for Jesus.
How can you live in ways that set your family up to trust God for eternity and the everyday?
1. Know Jesus through a personal relationship.
2. Read and study God’s word.
3. Prayer – speak to God and listen for God.
4. Pursue close relationship with God daily.
5. Invite and allow Christ to transform your life.
6. Decide to rest and abide in His arms.
Take your thoughts captive for Christ and see the difference He makes to your surrendered soul.
Philippians 4:13 says, “I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.”
Ephesians 6:12 says, “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.”
As you study God’s Word and think about or pray about the verses we read today, ponder the following questions: Teach these question and habits to your children to continue.
1. What does this verse promise?
2. What does this verse command?
3. Where do I need to apply this in my life?
Ask God to carry your cares and deepen your faith and trust. He alone is able to reach the crevices of your body and spirit and remedy what troubles you. He alone can use your faithfulness to influence your whole family for Him.
Dear Heavenly Father, Your love for us is so great! Your glory fills the earth and yet we fail to experience Your love and power as You desire. Help us to see You clearly as Your word instructs and to love us with a love that fills us in the deep and dark spaces of need we each carry. Thank you for loving us first and for making a way straight to You through Jesus. Help our faith to be full, alive, and active. Enable us to cling to You through every moment we face and trust in Your provision and protection despite what happens in the world around us. Fix our eyes and our heart on You. Help us mentor our children to do the same. In the precious name of Your Holy Son, Jesus we pray. Amen.
If you have questions after this episode, please reach out to me at info@terrihitt.com. I’m happy to help you discover the ways you can ensure you trust and submit to God to lead your parenting.
I also have a resource that you’ll find helpful as you navigate your daily routine as a mom. If you’re ready to become the godly mother God entrusts you to be for Him and His children, you’ll love my free “Good to Godly: A 31-Day Scripture and Prayer Guide for Moms.” Visit terrihitt.com to receive this resource.
Time is short. Make yours matter for eternity. Remember - if you’re not purposed in knowing Jesus and showing Him to the next generation, the world will sway your children away from Christ. I pray that what you hear on this podcast enables you to stop being a good mom and focus on being a godly parent. Until next week, keep looking Up while focusing on new ways to parent with eternal purpose and connection with your children and Christ.