When our children are born, we all have high expectations of who they will become. We see them as a doctor, lawyer, movie star, professional athlete — possibly all things we wanted to be when we were younger. While envisioning this great future, do we ever stop and think, “I wonder how God wants me to shape and mold them for His use?”

Sometimes as our children begin to develop and mature, we can become frustrated and annoyed because he/she is not conforming to the picture that we have in mind. But remember this — God is able to do “exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think” Ephesians 3:20. What’s also very exciting is that God has a plan for our children, a plan of good and not evil. His plans are far greater than what we as parents could ever have imagined.

So, take comfort in the fact that God is able to do the impossible. Don’t get distracted by a bad grade, a broken curfew, or a bad attitude. It’s not too late for your child to reach the goal that God has planned for them, even if the present doesn’t look like the future you hoped for. To help maintain your peace of mind confess the following: God I know that you have a great plan for my child’s future. God give me wisdom on how to shape and mold my child for your glory. Father I am not anxious about their future and I declare that they will reach and fulfill every goal you have outlined forthem from the foundation of the world! Amen

Dwayne & Denise White,
Youth Pastors

God is not only thinking about you, but he has great plans for your life. God has been making plans for you since before you were born. Jeremiah 1:5 says “Before I made you in your mother’s womb, I chose you. Before you were born, I set you apart for a special work. I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.”(NCV)

Now God hasn’t appointed us all to be a prophet to the nations, but he does have a unique, specific plan for each of us. His plans are good; they give us hope and lead us to a successful future. So the next time you wonder if someone is thinking about you, know that God is thinking about you and he’s just waiting for you to ask him to tell you about His awesome plan for your life.

Teaching our children and training them up in the way that they should go is a spiritual work. I Corinthians 15:15 (MSG) says “With all this going for us, my dear, dear friends,stand your ground. And don’t hold back. Throw yourselves into the work of the Master, confident that nothing we do for him is a waste of time or effort.”

Every smile you give, every shoe you tie, every game you attend, every word of encouragement you give — is not in vain. Everything you do to shape & mold your child will eventually produce fruit, even though right now, your child may not appreciate it and even seem ungrateful.

Parents, rest assured that your labor is not in vain! Whole heartedly throw yourself into the work of developing and training your child. Keep in mind that God sees you, and is with you, helping you to produce God fearing children that will represent Him in the earth.

Pastor Denise White

Many of us are expecting God to do an awesome work to move us into the realm of satisfaction.  We believe God for satisfaction in our finances, our bodies and on our jobs.  But, how many of us believe for satisfaction in our families–especially in the area of relationships with our teenagers/children?

We live in a fast paced society where most of our time is consumed working, paying bills and then, maybe some time for a little relaxation.  But often while going throughout our lives, we don’t stop to focus on the state of our families. Are we spending enough time with our families?  Are we training our children up in the way they should go, so that when they are old they won’t depart from it? (Prov. 22:6)  Are we instilling a firm foundation?

Of course we would love to scream an immediate “YES!”. However, the reality is that many of us are probably not spending a lot of time meditating on our joint parent/teen satisfaction level.  As children turn into teens they desire to be treated more like adults, then creating a conflict in the way parents and teens communicate.  Teenagers desire to be treated more like adults, all the while resisting adult-like (mature) responsibility.  Parents, on the other hand, desire more responsible and mature behavior from their teenagers, yet they may be unwilling to release some of their control to allow their teenager to demonstrate this growth.  This tug-of-war often causes friction and dissatisfaction in the home.  Don’t be discouraged, there are several steps that can be taken to increase your parent/teen satisfaction level.

1) Spend time sharing your family’s vision with your teenager. 

Contrary to popular belief, teenagers do feel the impact when parents are believing God for healing or increased finances.  Share with your child your confidence in God, and what you believe God will do in your life.  This will make them feel more secure and help teach them how to walk in faith as a family.

2) Take time finding out what areas your teen desires to receive satisfaction. 

Make a decision to just listen to what they have to say, and then stand in agreement with them through prayer that God will manifest greatly in their lives. Give them a word of encouragement and a scripture to meditate on while waiting on their manifestation, and watch God show up in their lives.

3) Remember that everybody’s satisfaction level is different. 

Initially when you begin your quest to increase your satisfaction with your teenager, you may discover that they appear to be content with your level of communication and some resistance may occur. However, deep down they desire your attention and love. Consistency is the key to pulling that desire out of them. It won’t be long before you see your BREAKTHROUGH!!
No matter what resistance you may encounter, just remember — every moment you spend with your teenager, you are sowing a seed into their lives that will manifest itself in a harvest. So be not weary in well doing! A healthy relationship with your child is worth having and pursing.

So pursue until you are satisfied!