It’s crazy to think that the first month of summer is already over!! That went super fast, didn’t it?! We hope that you’re having a wonderful summer so far. We hope that you have found some time, or are going to find some time, this summer to recharge and refresh physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Summer can definitely get a little busy, but it’s also a great opportunity for renewal. So whether you’re on a beach in the Caribbean or at home on the couch, our hope is that these parent devotionals during Freedom Week will encourage and challenge you to be the person and parent God has called you to be!
We believe that God has big plans for your junior high student this week at Freedom Week. We don’t think it’s an accident or coincidence that he/she is going. We have been praying for them all summer and can’t wait to see what God is going to do in their lives. Can we let you in on a little secret? We’ve also been praying for you. We believe that just as God has a specific plan for your student this week and this summer, we believe that He has a great plan for you as well. Outside of Freedom Week where we will see your student all day, every day, for several days, we usually only get to see them for a few hours a week. You, however, are with them all the time (through the good, the bad, & the ugly).
We know that you have hopes and dreams for your student, but parent, can we ask you this morning- what do you want to look like? We’re not talking botox or plastic surgery. We’re talking about the deepest part of who you are. Are you happy with who you are right now? We get so busy taking care of others that sometimes we put ourselves on the back burner- – well, not this week. These devotionals are for you and you alone. So let’s ask it again- are you happy with you? Is there something inside that isn’t what it needs to be? Is there something that could be blocking that connection with the Lord? We encourage you this morning to reflect upon a couple of verses from Psalm 139.
Psalm 139:23-24- “Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.”
Start today by asking God to search your heart. Are there some things that you need to confess in order to restore that connection with Him? Are you wrestling with some decisions that need to be made? Are you struggling emotionally with anxiety, fear, insecurity, anger, or other debilitating emotions? Ask Him to bring to your mind and heart what needs to be spoken by you, to Him, today. He’ll do it.
Becoming the person and parent God has called you to be is worth the fight. If you haven’t been happy with how you’ve lived that out this year, it’s worth it to make that change today and start fresh. If you’ve been excelling in your parenting but find yourself just wanting to take a break this summer, don’t quit doing what you’ve been doing. The sacrifice and difficulty are worth it. Godly parenting is worth it.
Galatians 6:9- “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”
Our prayer is that this week and this summer is about you drawing closer to the Lord and being the person and the parent God has called you to be. We’re in your corner cheering you on!
-The Student Ministry Staff Team
Use the following link to see some photos from Freedom Week so far: wc.org/fwteamphotos
