The toughest job in the world today is being a faithful Christian parent! While it can be difficult for a faithful dad and faithful mom to raise faithful kids together, the task is exponentially tough for a single parent doing it alone, or the Christian parent with an unbelieving spouse. If this is you, may I offer you some encouragement? Let’s focus for a moment on what you do have instead of on what you don’t have.
Remember that you are not alone in this! Know without any doubt that God sees you, hears you and is walking with you every day. Read about how He cared for Hagar (Gen. 16:1-13; 21:15-21), the widow of Zarephath (1 Kgs. 17:8-24) and Eunice (Acts 16:1-3; 2 Tim. 1:5). Your God is actively present in your home with you (Heb. 13:5-6). Count on it!
Remember the Bible example of one faithful parent who raised a strong, faithful child. Timothy’s dad was an unbeliever (Acts 16:3), but his mother raised a powerful servant of God. How did she do it? First, Scripture lived in their home from Timothy’s infancy (2 Tim. 3:14-15), and faith was lived out in front of him (2 Tim. 1:5). Second, we see that she leaned on a godly grandparent (2 Tim. 1:5). You can do this!
Remember that God will fill in the gaps where you feel that you struggle. He said that He will give you wisdom when you ask (Jas. 1:5). He said that He will give you strength, even in the midst of your weakest moments (2 Cor. 12:9-10; Eph. 6:10). He said that He will provide your needs (Matt. 6:25-34). Trust Him! There is no single Christian parent who He has ever left alone! Let Him be the Father in your home!
Remember to fill your home with Scripture and prayer. Regular Bible study time and even Scriptures posted around the house (Deut. 6:4-9) remind your child of God’s love and wisdom. Opening your heart to God in prayer and teaching your child to do the same (Phil. 4:6-7) will help them to put their trust in Him and lean on Him. If your child sees this in you, there is nothing more valuable that you could give them. Little moments can have big impacts!
Finally, remember that your church family surrounds you and your children. God designed the church to bear burdens together, encourage one another and help your family flourish in Christ (Gal. 6:2, 10; Eph. 4:16; 6:1-4). You are NOT alone! You are surrounded by Christians who can be spiritual grandpas, grandmas, uncles and aunts. You are loved! And you may not realize it, but your steadfastness is an encouragement to the rest of us!
You are not forgotten by God (Heb. 6:10)! Do not grow weary (Gal. 6:9) or think you are alone (Matt. 28:20)! God will do great things for you and with you! You’ve got this!