The Spirit-Led Home: Peace

As believing moms, we are commanded to be filled with the Spirit (Galatians 5:22), unfortunately we must admit that we often struggle with having peace in our lives especially when it comes to our children.

Are you ever concerned that your parenting is ruining your child’s future? Do you have unrest because you’re having trouble making decisions about school methods, friends, or activities for your child? Is it hard to sleep sometimes because you worry about your teenager’s attitudes and choices? Are you in disagreement with your husband over some aspect or approach to parenting your children?

Some of you know that my youngest child was born paralyzed. In fact, she cannot feel her legs lower than her mid-thigh. Up until 7 years old, she loved to ambulate on her hands; and because of this, she eventually developed severe wounds on her knees. 

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I remember feeling so anxious about how these wounds would heal and spent many hours trying to balance her physical care with her desire to play. At one point, we discussed amputation with the doctors. Talk about worry! We didn’t know how any of our choices would affect her future.

Peace in God’s Power

What I needed to remember was that I was new creature in Christ, and I had the Spirit of the living God living in me. By God’s grace I was able to walk by His Spirit and NOT carry out the anxieties and consuming thoughts of my flesh.For me, a key aspect to having peace is to have a deep and abiding trust in God’s Sovereign control over my life and over the lives of my husband, children, and now grandchildren. I truly believe that there are no accidents with God.

“He does as He pleases with the powers of heaven and the peoples of the earth. No one can hold back his hand or say to him; “what have you done?” (Daniel 4:35)“Ah, Sovereign Lord, you have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and outstretched arm. Nothing is too hard for you”. (Jeremiah 32:17)

Even if something perceivable bad happens, I know that God could have stopped it from happening. Even if I believe that my husband has made a bad choice for our children or family, then I can be comforted to know that if God made the world, then He can surely keep my child safe, design my child’s future despite my educational choices for them and change their hardened heart.

Peace in God’s Purpose

I experience great peace knowing that not only is God powerful enough to change my circumstances, but in His infinite wisdom, He is orchestrating the best for me and my family.

“I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times what is still to come. I say, ‘My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please” (Isaiah 46:10)“In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will” (Ephesians 1:11)

Presence of Peace

Not only do I have peace because of God’s Power and Purpose in administrating His will, but also because peace is present in the life of a believer. This peace was given to Jesus’ disciples and peace cannot be taken away. The only way I don’t peace is if I give it away.

Jesus said in John 14:25-27: “These things I have spoken to you while abiding with you. But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all that I said to you. Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful.”

Because Jesus gave peace to His disciples, then I know that I can have peace despite difficult circumstances. As a disciple of Christ, I need to remind myself of these truths:

  • The Spirit teaches me to have peace amidst difficulties and storms. I can trust in the Father who is powerful and wise.

  • There are no accidents with God. As my husband and I pray to follow a path, God can change that path at any moment.

  • If my husband makes a decision for my children in which I disagree, I can pray and trust God to change his mind or the circumstances to alter any choices.

  • Christ has left His peace with me. This peace is not of the world. I need not be troubled or fearful.

As believing parents, we intensely desire our children’s salvation. Therefore, it might be tempting to be anxious during bumpy times of our children’s spiritual journey. It is our responsibility to be faithful to show them God’s greatness, the depravity of Mankind, Christ’s sacrifice and their need to turn from their sin [see “Let the Little Children Come]. While we are called to be consistent message-bearers, it is God’s work to save them.

“But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God” (John 1:12). We must truly rest in this.

Food for Thought:

  • Do I trust God’s sovereign plan for my life?

  • Do I remember that Jesus left his disciples HIS peace, and I am a disciple, therefore I have HIS peace?

  • Do I fret over what will become of my child’s future or spiritual standing?

  • Do I memorize/meditate on verses that will remind me of God’s Power and Purpose in exercising His will?

Marriage, Parenting, The Spirit-Led Homesoulnourishments