When your kids rebel

Did you know that God had rebellious children?

In Isaiah 1:1-4, God talks about the children that didn’t “turn out,” even though they “knew better.”

For the Lord has spoken:
“I reared children and brought them up, they have rebelled against me… Ah, sinful nation, a people loaded with guilt, a brood of evildoers, children given to corruption! They have forsaken the Lord; they have spurned the Holy One of Israel and turned their backs on him.”

Does that make you feel any better? Even God experienced this problem.

So if (and when) your kids rebel, go to God in prayer.
He understands.
His kids rebel all the time,
and He’s even a perfect parent.
It feels personal if our kids forsake our faith
or our wisdom or our friendship.
But God understands.
We’ve all done it to Him.

And He sticks.
He’s always there.
Don’t give up!

Here’s a little prayer for rebellious children—

Lord God and Heavenly Father,

I praise you for your patience and grace toward me.
Forgive me of my sins.
Thank you for your lovingkindness and your provision.
Thank you for my children, even when they break my heart.

I pray for your presence to fall on them.
Convict them with your power and your still, small voice.
Encourage them with your grace and redemption.
Help them to see the way back to you.
Put people and situations in their path that will detour them back into your loving arms.

And, Lord, help me.
Strengthen my faith.
Help me turn to you only.
Give me your grace to deal with my child(ren) how you deal with them.
Make me into your image so when they talk to me, they see who you really are.

You are irresistible.
You are holy.
You are awesome.
Glory to the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit!

In Jesus’ name,
Amen.