“I can’t do it!” I cried these words over and over. “God, I can’t parent this child!” I am desperate for help and for change. The same problems, habits and behaviors repeat themselves like a bass drum keeping beat. Temper-tantrums, anger spells, broken toys and furniture, food deliberately thrown on the floor, and refusal to do homework are just a few areas of chaos flooding my home. What can a parent do when everything goes wrong?

The Lord allowed me to be in a place where He can remold me as a potter fashions a clay vessel. He requires me to change before my children change. He has a better plan than I do and He definitely sees the whole picture. Jesus wants my children to change also, but I realize He wants to do spiritual surgery on me first.

My need to trust Jesus fully in my messes is my first priority. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight” (Proverbs 3:5-6). Trusting Him when things are not going well is the most important challenge for me. It requires me to give up worrying. It grows me in the area of patience. It makes me depend upon Jesus for His wisdom.

As I “trust in the Lord with all my heart,” I become dependent on His grace and mercy. I learn to praise Him in the midst of my trial. I believe that His plan is better than mine and I begin to look to Him for answers and direction. God changed me one step at a time. As I made mistakes, He redirected my heart and actions to make better choices. When I made myself available to change, He orchestrated my life His way. Yes, God changed my children as well.

 Promise: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” (Proverbs 3:5-6)

Partnering with God: Dear Lord, I desperately want You to change my child. I realize that somehow You desire to change me first. Help me to listen to You through the Word of God and to apply Your words to the areas you want me to change. Give me direction and guidance in obeying Your voice. Make me a new person in the inside of my heart.