One Simple Way to Not Undermine Your Child's Success

I've given up canceling out my own prayers for my child.

What do I mean?

Well, let's consider something that I really wanted to see change in for my child.

For example, my child was making selfish choices and always seemed to put herself above others.

When I was in a quiet reflective moment I prayed that the Lord will help her to learn to put others first and be more considerate of others.

Later in the day, when bringing in a pizza for the family and a few friends I said to my husband,  "Oh boy, here we go again...she's going to push to the front and rush to get the biggest piece as soon as we come through the door, just like she always does."

Wait a second.

Back up.

I had to ask myself, Do I believe the Bible is true?

Because I know it says this: "This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of him." 1 John 5:14-15

I do know that I am praying according to God's will when I pray my child will learn to be more considerate of others.

That was when I realized I was being double-minded.

The Bible says, "Such a person is double-minded and unstable in all they do." James 1:8 (NIV)

Eeeks, I don't want to be unstable in all I do, especially my prayers.

If I pray something for my child that is God's will, in order to see it through I must continue to stand in faith no matter how hard it may be to have hope.

Sometimes I know I've felt like I just need to vent to my spouse, and I excuse negativity, thinking well, I'm only talking to my husband about it.

But I realized it's not worth the cost. If I am going to take the time to pray for something and really desire to see change, I must stand in faith in my actions and my words.

I dare not cancel out my prayers.

I learned to reframe my words. 

When I start to anticipate something negative, I try to catch myself and say something like, "This is going to be a good opportunity for our child to put others first."

What about you?

What changes are you praying for your child?

Do you have the habit of canceling them out by speaking a negative word?

Words are powerful.

May we speak them wisely. 

...and in ways that give our children the best chance for success.

If we pray it, we must say it!

Think of one change you are praying for in your child.

Then commit to faith-filled words to support that change.

Nothing is impossible with God.

No thing is impossible with God.

Keep standing for your child for that change, mama. You may be the only one who is.