Despite having three degrees, three published books, and other accolades, I’ve never been the sharpest knife in the drawer, much less the smartest person in the room. Even my father attributes my achievements to hard work and determination, not a brilliant mind.
And that’s ok with me.
Because I know that none of this is really mine, nor ever was, nor will be.
It’s all grace.
None of us were made for ourselves. All of us were made for God’s glory and the good of His people. Not only could we not make ourselves, we can’t make good out of ourselves. Only God can. And hallelujah! God does. He does as He promises in Romans 8:28 NASB And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. We can rely on the truth that God does as He promises every time with every circumstance, every person, and every situation.
Jeremiah expressed this truth with Almighty Lord, you made heaven and earth by your great strength and powerful arm. Nothing is too hard for you. (Jeremiah 32:17 GNT). Many others in the Bible said the same truth. One of the more familiar sayings comes from Paul in Philippians 4:13 AMP I can do all things [which He has called me to do] through Him who strengthens and empowers me [to fulfill His purpose—I am self-sufficient in Christ’s sufficiency; I am ready for anything and equal to anything through Him who infuses me with inner strength and confident peace.] If anybody could claim to be the brightest bulb in a room, it was Paul. But he didn’t rely on himself nor what he could do. Rather, he boasted in God because he trusted in God. Like Mary, he’d learned that only God was the One for Whom nothing was impossible (see Luke 1:37).
Even though I’ve thought my sons the brightest and best since before they were born, I know they will face situations they can’t solve, circumstances they can’t overcome, and people who don’t think they’re perfect. That knowledge compels me to pray even harder for them to my God, the only One Who is Able to do all things in, through, and for them.
So, I pray for them. And I keep praying for them.
For I know these truths:
Only God can give the endurance for whatever they might encounter.
Only God can give the strength for them to stand in all situations.
Only God can be their hope and help at their right hand.
Only God can redeem and restore them, no matter their resolve to run towards or from truth.
I’m walking-around proof of those statements. I was that prodigal daughter who ran as hard as she could from God during college. But God didn’t let go of me nor did my parents who prayed desperately, diligently, and determinedly for me. Their prayers held me then and hold me now. My husband’s and my prayers do the same for our sons.
Your prayers for your child/children can bring God’s good to your children. This good isn’t limited by circumstances; it’s given by God. Your prayers can impact your children today whether they: live with you or across the world; choose righteousness or running from God; are succeeding at or simply surviving college; or whether they seek what is good or want nothing of God.
No one is beyond God’s reach.
No one is beyond God’s redemption.
Prayer can change lives for today and for forever.
What’s keeping you from relying on God in prayer for your children today?
God doesn’t stop listening.
God doesn’t stop working.
God doesn’t stop loving.
And nothing can stop God.
With this in mind, we shouldn’t stop trusting Him as Able to supply what is needed, when it’s needed for our children and to bring good in and from their lives. The truth is only God is Able to do all things at all times, even and especially when we can’t.
Prayer isn’t a last resort.
Prayer is an opportunity for everlasting results.
James captured this idea with The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective (James 5:16 ISV). And many, including us, are living proof of that truth and desire those kinds of results with our children, too. (In case you were wondering, Union University faculty and staff do pray with fervency and diligence for your children, during their time here and after graduation.)
If you’re looking for a solid truth to pray for your child/children, may I suggest what my parents started praying for me before I was born and what my husband and I have prayed for our sons over and again? Proverbs 3:5-6 NLT Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.
written by and copyrighted to Beth Madison, Ph.D., 2024
This post is an excerpt from a devotional book written for parents of Union University students. I hope that you might also be encouraged by it in praying for your child/children, no matter their age, location, or mindset. And if you know other parents who would be encouraged by this post, please like and share it as a reminder that our Good God is always Able.
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And if you’re interested in more of these ideas in book form, please check out the Books by Beth page here on the website. All of my books are available from Amazon and other online book distributors.
I’d love for you to join me this Saturday 8/17/24 from 8-10am at Green Frog Coffee Company North (near Union University in Jackson, TN) for a book signing of my newest book, “Well Grounded: Cultivating Intimacy with God”. There will be hugs and smiles in abundance!
Soul Scientist 
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