Tuesday, September 20, 2011

Not Against the Flesh

I have been reading the book "The Power of a Praying Parent" and have only got in the first several chapters. I already feel like I have been missing out on a wonderful part of parenting...praying! Definitely recommend this book because there is so much going on in our children's lives that we can't control. Specifically this chapter struck me...especially since my kids are so young and tend to always do this: rebel. I was very curious as to what this chapter would say, and it was the ending few paragraphs that really got to me.

It says that our battle (when dealing with rebellious kids...which to me is not honoring the parents by argueing, fighting with siblings, throwing fits, etc) is NOT with our children. Huh? Say that again?

Our battle is not with our son or daughter. "For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places" Ephesians 6:12. The sin that is in our children that causes them to disobey is from Satan and that is who our battle is with. To pray over our children that he doesn't get near them and they can resist him. Jesus has given us authority "over all the power of the enemy" Luke 10:19. How reassuring that is!! The greatest One is on our side, the One who conquers over all will help us and help our children.

So the next time my boys rebel and I start to get frustrated I will remember that my anger shouldn't be toward them, but toward the devil. I need to start praying for them when they have a hard rebellious heart and that they will see their ways and turn from them. Sounds so easy right? Sounds like our days of fighting kids should end...it won't and I will still struggle with it all...but I have a new encouragement now!



Now to leave you with a cute photos of Logan playing with Everett. Sometimes I can't believe how long Logan plays with him...what a wonderful big brother!

Photobucket

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

Thank you so much for this post Elissa. Very true about the battle being with the devil. Sweet photo too.

Lindsey said...

what a great reminder to constantly pray for our kids, even in times of rebellion. And the pic of Logan and Everett is just precious.

Casey Martinez said...

oooo, that is a really great perspective that I really haven't given much thought to be honest. I like it and will def. keep this in my heart going forward. Not to mention I will have to read that book after I finish the other 6 I have piling up! Sounds good!!

The Andersons said...

good words e...made me think that it isn't just our kids we need to think this about...but the people in our lives too!! love you and can't wait to see you!!