Trusting God with Your Adult Child
Digest
This episode of Focus on the Family delves into the power of prayer for adult children, featuring Jody Burnt, author of "Praying the Scriptures for Your Adult Children." Jody shares her personal experiences and insights on navigating the challenges of parenting grown children, emphasizing the importance of trusting God's plan. She highlights the shift in prayer from focusing on specific outcomes to embracing the process of God's work in their lives. Jody encourages parents to move beyond worry and control, embracing prayer as an antidote to fear and a way to partner with God in shaping their children's lives. She emphasizes the importance of a community of parents who can support and pray for each other, sharing stories of how prayer has helped her and others navigate difficult situations. Jody also discusses the distinction between destination prayers, which focus on specific outcomes, and process prayers, which acknowledge the journey and trust God's ultimate plan. She encourages parents to find joy in their children's growth, even when it involves challenges, and to trust that God is working in their lives. The episode concludes with a reminder that God sees and knows what parents are going through, and that He is always pursuing their children, even when they stray.
Outlines
Praying for Adult Children
This Chapter discusses the importance of praying for adult children, especially when they are going through difficult times. The speaker shares their own experiences and encourages listeners to trust God's plan for their children.
Encouraging Words for Parents
This Chapter offers words of encouragement to parents of adult children, acknowledging the challenges and joys of this stage of life. The speakers share their own experiences and emphasize the importance of trusting God's plan for their children's lives.
Keywords
Praying the Scriptures for Your Adult Children
This is the title of a book written by Jody Burnt, a guest on the Focus on the Family podcast. The book provides guidance and encouragement for parents of adult children, offering scriptural prayers and insights on navigating the challenges of this stage of parenting.
Jody Burnt
Jody Burnt is a Christian author and speaker who specializes in parenting and family life. She is known for her books, including "Praying the Scriptures for Your Adult Children," which offers practical advice and scriptural guidance for parents of grown children.
Focus on the Family
Focus on the Family is a Christian ministry that provides resources and support for families. They offer a variety of programs, including a daily radio program, a website, and a counseling service. The ministry is known for its focus on strengthening families and promoting Christian values.
Adult Children
This term refers to children who have reached adulthood, typically considered to be 18 years or older. The term is often used in the context of parenting, as it acknowledges the unique challenges and dynamics that arise when children transition into adulthood.
Prayer
Prayer is a form of communication with God, often involving supplication, praise, and thanksgiving. In the context of parenting, prayer is a powerful tool for seeking guidance, support, and strength in raising children.
Parenting
Parenting is the process of raising and caring for children. It involves a wide range of responsibilities, including providing for their physical, emotional, and spiritual needs. Parenting styles and approaches vary widely, but the goal is typically to nurture and guide children to become responsible and well-adjusted adults.
Trust
Trust is a fundamental element of faith, involving confidence in God's character, promises, and plan. In the context of parenting, trust in God is essential for navigating the challenges and uncertainties of raising children.
God's Plan
This refers to the belief that God has a specific purpose and plan for each individual's life. In the context of parenting, trusting God's plan involves surrendering control and accepting that He is ultimately in charge of the direction of their children's lives.
Worry
Worry is a state of anxiety or unease about potential problems or dangers. In the context of parenting, worry can be a common emotion, especially when children are facing challenges or making difficult decisions.
Control
Control refers to the ability to influence or direct the actions or behavior of others. In the context of parenting, control can be a source of conflict, as children grow and seek independence.
Q&A
What are some of the key challenges that parents face when their children become adults?
Parents of adult children often face challenges related to letting go of control, navigating changing relationships, and dealing with their children's choices that may not align with their own values. They may also struggle with worry and fear about their children's well-being.
How can prayer help parents navigate the challenges of parenting adult children?
Prayer can provide parents with a sense of peace, guidance, and strength as they face the challenges of parenting adult children. It allows them to surrender control, trust God's plan, and seek His wisdom in guiding their children's lives.
What is the difference between destination prayers and process prayers?
Destination prayers focus on specific outcomes or goals, while process prayers acknowledge the journey and trust God's ultimate plan. In the context of parenting, process prayers can help parents find peace and joy even when their children are going through difficult times.
How can parents overcome the temptation to worry and control when it comes to their adult children?
Parents can overcome worry and control by embracing prayer as an antidote to fear and a way to partner with God in shaping their children's lives. They can also find support and encouragement from other parents who are going through similar experiences.
What is the importance of a community of parents in supporting each other?
A community of parents can provide a vital source of support, encouragement, and prayer for each other. They can share their experiences, offer advice, and pray for each other's children, helping to alleviate the burden of worry and control.
What is the role of God's love and compassion in the lives of adult children?
God's love and compassion are limitless and extend to all people, including adult children who may be struggling or making difficult choices. God is always pursuing His children, even when they stray, and His love can lead them to repentance and a deeper relationship with Him.
How can parents find joy in their children's growth, even when it involves challenges?
Parents can find joy in their children's growth by focusing on the ultimate destination of their children's lives, which is a saving relationship with God. They can trust that God is using even the challenges to bring their children closer to Him.
What is the role of parents in their adult children's lives?
Parents continue to play a significant role in their adult children's lives, even as their children become more independent. They can offer support, guidance, and prayer, but they must also recognize that their children are ultimately responsible for their own choices and decisions.
What is the message of hope for parents of adult children?
The message of hope for parents of adult children is that God is always working in their children's lives, even when they are going through difficult times. Parents can trust that God's love and compassion will never fail their children, and that He will ultimately guide them to a place of peace and fulfillment.
Show Notes
Author Jodie Berndt offers encouragement to parents who worry about their adult child and guidance for how they can entrust their child to God through prayer.
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