THIS WEEK’S PROJECT

Family Builders

Isaiah 8:18 (KJV) Behold, I and the children whom the LORD hath given me [are] for signs and for wonders in Israel from the LORD of hosts, which dwelleth in mount Zion. 

Let’s talk about teenagers. Without a doubt this is the most challenging stage of life; for parents and teenagers alike. A person is leaving the innocence of childhood and crossing over to being an adult. Your approach as a parent must change if you are going to have influence as they mature and grow into adulthood.

The Lord is wise the way he designed this to work. He gives us people as babies. They are so sweet and helpless. They are so cute. They need you to survive and are so easy to bond with. You would have to be an ogre not to love this little bundle of love.

What if God gave you a teenager at birth? The doctor comes to you and tells you, “Mr. Smith, this is your new son. He is 14 years old. Let me introduce you.” That would be a little awkward, right?

It’s much easier to naturally be close to your children when they’re little because they are so dependent on you for everything. But as they grow into being a teenager you can become divided from them because they are naturally growing to be more self sufficient. What to do?

Action

We are going to dig into some practical things in the next few lessons but let’s start here. Pray. That’s right, go to Jesus and ask for help. He has wisdom for you. He gave you this child and wants to give you what you need to raise them through every stage of life they grow into. Pray. Ask God to help you and expect Him to.

James 1:5 (NLT) If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking.

Too many parents of teenagers get frustrated and throw up their hands and retreat. They quit because they don’t understand what to do. Don’t be like that! Ask God for wisdom. Then listen to Him. Spend some time quietly before Him and expect Him to answer.