Latest / HAVE FAITH LET IT BEGIN® / Parenting Under Pressure: A Faith-Filled Pause

Transcript

Parenting Under Pressure: A Faith-Filled Pause · HAVE FAITH LET IT BEGIN®

• 0:00
  Parenting. Parenting has a way of putting pressure on us like nothing else.
• 0:05
  Not just the schedules, not just the finances, but the weight of wanting to get it right.
• 0:11
  We worry if we're doing enough, if we're saying the right things,
• 0:16
  if our kids will turn out okay.
• 0:18
  And when life is already stressful, parenting, parenting and pressure can feel overwhelming.
• 0:26
  If you've ever laid awake wondering, am I doing this right? Well, this episode's for you.
• 0:32
  Have Faith Let It Begin starts right now.
• 1:08
  Is Angel from Half Faith Let It Begin. Let's begin with Scripture reading. Proverbs 22, verse 6.
• 1:14
  The Word of the Lord. Start children off on the way they should go,
• 1:18
  and even when they are old, they will not turn from it.
• 1:24
  This verse doesn't say be perfect, and it doesn't say never make mistakes.
• 1:30
  It speaks to the direction and consistency and faithfulness over time.
• 1:35
  Let's talk about parenting.
• 1:37
  Parenting pressure often comes from believing we have to be everything.
• 1:43
  A teacher, protector, provider, counselor, a role model.
• 1:49
  And while those roles matter, they will never meant to be carried alone.
• 1:54
  God doesn't expect you to raise our children in our own strength.
• 1:59
  He invites us to walk with him as we do it.
• 2:02
  Your kids don't need a flawless parent.
• 2:05
  They need a present one, a parent who shows up, apologizes when needed,
• 2:12
  and keeps loving and holding on to their child even when it's hard.
• 2:17
  Pressure eases when we remember this.
• 2:21
  God loves our children even more than we do. And I'll be honest,
• 2:26
  parenting has humbled me.
• 2:28
  There are moments I feel confident and moments I question myself completely.
• 2:32
  Moments I feel strong and moments I feel stretched thin, like I do right now.
• 2:37
  I've caught myself worrying about the future instead of being present in the
• 2:41
  moment, wondering if I'm doing enough, saying enough, or showing up enough.
• 2:47
  But here's what God keeps reminding me. My job isn't to be perfect.
• 2:52
  My job is to be faithful, to love consistently, to guide with grace,
• 2:58
  to trust that God fills the gaps where I fall short.
• 3:02
  And that realization has brought peace into moments that used to feel heavy.
• 3:07
  If you're parenting under pressure right now.
• 3:12
  Your efforts matter. Your presence matter. Your prayers matter.
• 3:16
  Even the ones whispered in exhaustion.
• 3:18
  You're allowed to lean in as you go. You're allowed to learn as you go.
• 3:23
  You're allowed to ask for help.
• 3:25
  You're allowed to trust God with what you can't control.
• 3:29
  And God is walking with you this particular day and every day.
• 3:34
  Let's pray. Heavenly Father, we lift up every patient, every parent,
• 3:39
  every person, like now that's listening, even for Cody who's barking right now.
• 3:45
  The tired ones, of course, the worried ones and the ones trying their best.
• 3:50
  Lord, remember to remove the pressures to be perfect and to replace it with peace.
• 3:57
  Help us to parent with wisdom, guidance, patience, and love.
• 4:00
  Guide our words and our actions in our hearts.
• 4:03
  When we feel unsure, remember us that you are present.
• 4:08
  Remind us that you're with us. When we feel overwhelmed, remind us that we're not alone.
• 4:14
  We trust you with our children and with ourselves.
• 4:19
  We pray this unto you. In Jesus' name we pray, amen.
• 4:24
  Parenting may feel heavy at times, guys, but God is faithful in every season.
• 4:28
  You're not failing, you're growing.
• 4:31
  Just a reminder, you matter and never forget.
• 4:35
  Have faith, let it begin. Quick programming note, this Sunday,
• 4:39
  February 8th, will be a Scout Sunday.
• 4:42
  That's right, the Scouts are coming, and the Scouts are going to be attendants at 10 a.m.
• 4:46
  Live, whether you meet us here at First Reformed Church in person or virtually.
• 4:51
  If you've been carrying a pressure or just need encouragement,
• 4:55
  I'd love to see you there.
• 4:56
  And never forget, have faith, let it begin.