But when I was in my twenties and okay, even in my thirties, it was an entirely different scenario. I was in a battle. The good versus evil wrestling match occurring daily, I was mostly out of God’s will. By the grace of God, He brought me back to Him. It‘s been a long and sometimes ugly process of tug of war; my will versus His will for my life. This world says do what feels good, so most of us do. I have lost many battles, but know now that Jesus won the war for me! So while I acknowledge my shortcomings as a parent, I am on the other side of that battleground now, and know that there is victory in Jesus. I share that with them almost daily. I don’t focus on the “what could have been’s”, I take comfort in the “what can be’s.” I use my experiences, good and bad, to teach my kids. Of course I want them to learn from my mistakes and escape the painful consequences. But ultimately, they have free will. The important thing for them to know is that they are loved by a merciful God. I pray for the years in the battle to be short for all my kids, big and little, so peace may find them sooner than later. I pray for a change of heart for anyone who is resisting giving God control of their life, and for a true acceptance of Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior.
The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance.