Most Christian moms and dads would love to experience the rest of Jesus as they disciple their children, but how do parents actually get to that rest and stay there? We asked each of the panelists from our upcoming 2024 Rooted Parent Panel to answer the question: What is a verse that is helping you rest in Jesus as a parent right now?
David Brashler: Find rest by not taking God’s job. (1 Cor 3:6-7)
As parents, we rightly desire to see our children growing in godliness, moving forward in their sanctification, and becoming more like Jesus. Such growth is a great desire. But growth is a burden my shoulders were not made to carry. And when I try to carry it, I’m exhausted and stressed when I fail, and perhaps even worse, proud of any apparent “success.” Too often, as a parent, I can get my role confused with God’s role. Reflecting upon such a distinction in 1 Corinthians 3:6-7, Paul confidently states that he planted and Apollos watered, but it was God who gave the growth. Paul is happy to relinquish the burden of producing growth to God and embrace his role as a planter/waterer in the lives of the people around him. This distinction helps me not only in my pastoral role but also in my parenting role. My job is planting and watering good seeds in my children’s lives. But the work of giving growth to those seeds and bearing the peaceful fruit of righteousness is a work that God alone can produce. Let us work heartily at our role as parents and rest knowing God alone will give the growth. To him be the glory!
Joey Turner: The struggles of parenting are the invitations to rest. (Phil 4:6-7)
One of the greatest lies we believe as parents is that “we can handle raising our kids.” Usually, we don’t even know we are actively believing this lie until our actions and reactions reveal that we are. But the truth is, in life and in parenting, God gives us more than we can handle. In Christ, there is incredible hope for the parent who feels the water line approaching their eyes, or the weight of each day causing them to seek escape. The gospel invites us to acknowledge reality with hope. Yes, in this life we will have tribulations, but take heart, Christ has overcome the world. Prayer is using life’s trials, be they exterior or interior, as invitations to dependence on the one in control.
Terrence Shay: Be courageous to pursue your kids because God is with you (Joshua 1:9).
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” – Joshua 1:9
The Israelites were not ready to enter the Promised Land, but they had a leader who depended on God completely. Even though the enemies were daunting and the cities, well-defended, Joshua’s greatest assurance was the guaranteed presence of God which led to supernatural rest amidst uncertainty. It is easy for fear and dismay to live rent-free in our minds when we see the strongholds of a post-Christian culture advancing upon our children’s affections. The influencers and celebrities of the world are too mighty and we often find ourselves falling behind. How can we combat an enemy that cannot be quantified or contained?! “Be strong and courageous.” The call to share the gospel and point our kids to Jesus daily comes with the authorization of God every step of the way. Therefore, we can be bold in initiating conversations, seizing moments, and taking risks (even failing) in building relationships with our children because God is present in our disciple-making endeavors. The empowerment of God gives me rest and encourages me to know that it is never too LATE or too EARLY to steward well my irreplaceable role in the home. May God’s perfect love for us in Christ cast out all fear (1 John 4:18) and compel us to pursue our calling as parents with freedom and joy.
Tracy Yi: Finding rest is remembering God’s grace when we fail (Rev. 1:5-6).
We all have moments when our emotions get the best of us and we lash out at our children or spouse or anyone that crosses our path of wrath. We lose patience, and we might have even say some things that we deeply regret. I don’t know about you, but I feel even worse after an incident like that. I beat myself up. I’m disappointed. I’m upset at myself for losing my cool. I missed another teachable moment. I feel like an utter failure. I’ve let down my kids, myself, and God.
In these moments, God gently reminds us why the gospel is actually good news! Yes, I failed. I sinned against my children and God. But Revelation 1:5-6 says this:
“… from Jesus Christ the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of kings on earth. To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood and made us a kingdom, priests to his God and Father, to him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.”
The truth of gospel reminds us that we are loved and FREED from our sin by the blood of Christ. This is not something to wait for; “freed” is past tense. It already happened. This freedom is accessible to us now. There will come a day when we can experience this freedom to its fullest, the way God intended. Can you imagine? No more frustrations or fits of anger, of disappointing our children and ourselves. I look forward to that day.
Anna Meade Harris: God will keep his promises to my family (Psalm 131).
Psalm 131 teaches me that when my hopes for my family are in the promises of God, I can have peace. Even when my proud-mama dreams and plans aren’t coming to pass like I want them to, God always keeps his promises. God does not promise that my child will never be lonely, but he does promise to be with my child wherever he goes (Ps 139:7-10). He does not promise my child will escape every temptation, but he does offer my child forgiveness for sin through Jesus (1 John 1:9). He does not promise that my child will avoid suffering, but he does promise that suffering will not go to waste (Rom. 8:28). He does not promise that my child’s path in life will be a steady progression towards maturity and fruitfulness, but he does promise that he will finish what he started in that child’s life (Phil 1:6). Meditating on what God does promise helps reorient my desires for my children to what God wants for them. As much as I rightly desire and earnestly pray for the blessings of this life for my family, “the things of earth grow strangely dim/ In the light of his glory and grace.”
Join us at the Rooted conference in Dallas Texas, October 24-26 for more content for parents and youth pastors.
