7 Ways to Encourage Your Child to Get Back on Track With Jesus

 

My guest today is my good friend, Erin Bishop, founder of The Whatever Girls sharing with us seven ways to encourage your child to get back on track with Jesus without guilt, shame or fear.

 

One of my readers shared a prayer request with me this week.  Her 16 year old daughter is ashamed of her faith in Jesus in front of her peers. Her heart is understandably broken and she aches for the day when her daughter will follow Jesus wholeheartedly and without shame.

 

In a society where teen girls are mocked and bullied about the slightest things, are held to impossibly high expectations, and live under the thumb of comparison, it’s not surprising some are hesitant to evangelize or even admit to being a Christian. It only takes one discouraging remark to silence someone or worse, crush their spirit.

Before Jesus left the earth, He prepared His followers for what was to come; trials, difficulties, and persecution. He also encouraged them to be at peace; “but take heart; I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)

 

Despite knowing what was ahead for His disciples, Jesus didn’t leave any room for doubt when He spoke about the cost of following Him. “If anyone is ashamed of me and my words, the Son of Man will be ashamed of him when He comes in His glory and in the glory of the Father and of the holy angels.” (Luke 9:26)

 

What is a mom to do if she suspects her child is hiding her faith?

 

It’s normal and even healthy to have questions and doubts about our faith. Often, people come out of these seasons with a deeper faith and sense of purpose. We can be a part of that process.

 

Here are 7 ways to encourage your child to get back on track with Jesus (without guilt, shame or fear):

* Pray.  Ask God for discernment on how to help your child through this. Ask God to reveal Himself to her.  Pray for her to have a radical encounter with Jesus

 

* Talk to your child, but most importantly LISTEN.

 

* Ask questions. Is there something in the Scriptures she’s not clear on? Has someone teased her about being a Christian?

 

* Don’t assume she knows what it means to be a Christ follower. Just as we teach our children how to do the dishes and fold towels, we should model for them what it means to take up our cross daily and follow Jesus, to pray, read God’s Word, love others, and forgive. Don’t pretend it’s easy; we should be prepared to share our struggles as Christ followers. Through our struggles she will see His grace and mercy.

 

*Scripture to study together:  Romans 12:2, Luke 9:26 and the book of John.

 

* Talk about the persecuted Church. Sunday, November 11 marked a day of observance and prayer for the persecuted Church around the world.  Millions pray for the chance to freely share what she chooses to hide.

 

* Be intentional with friendships. Ecclesiastes 4:12 says there’s strength in numbers. “Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.”  Consider forming a small group like the Whatever Girls. Identify Christian moms and daughters that go to your daughter’s school, home school group or church and invite them to hang out.

Repeat as needed.

 

 Erin Bishop lives with her husband and their two kids in Washington State. After working full time for many years the Lord set things in motion for her to be a stay at home mom. She founded the Whatever Girls ministry in 2009. She loves Jesus and is passionate about teaching moms and daughters to be intentional and that their worth and identity are rooted in their Creator. She loves vintage stuff, yellow flowers, thrift stores and antiques. Her husband calls her “Lucy” because she’s a cut first measure later type of girl. You can connect with Erin on her website at thewhatevergirls.com, on Facebook at Erin Bishop and on Twitter @_whatevergirls.

 

 

 

 

Lynn

12 Comments

  1. What great words! I am not a parent, but I am very passionate when it comes to raising kids (just how I was raised, ha!). But this is so important. I am so blessed to have had parents who did these things with throughout my entire childhood.

    1. Lynn Cowell says:

      Morgan…those are words that make a mom’s heart sing! I hope you share them with your parents!

      My kids have said things before like:
      * you only let me watch PBS until I was 10 (exaggeration :
      * you didn’t let me listen to radio music when I was in elementary school
      * you homeschooled me sooooo long
      I plan to do the same to my kids!

      That was music to my ears 🙂

    2. Morgan, thank you so much for reading and your words of encouragement. How blessed you are to have parents that were intentional. I believe that is the key.

  2. What a positive approach to this difficult issue with our teens. I wish someone would have taken the time for this when I was young. Taking a look forward and not back, I am learning of His love more each day. What a blessing to give young girls this message in these times.

    1. Lynn Cowell says:

      Mardell, Thank you for being a part of giving His truth to this next generation! I just wish, like Grace, I had a grandma like you!

  3. I love Erin’s ministry! I agree wholeheartedly what’s listed above, especially “listening.” As a mom, we want to fix things right away. I really think it’s hard to be courageous at age 16. I constantly pray for my daughter, that she’ll make her faith her own (not mine). I talk less, but take opportune times to point out truth, how she can stand up and be courageous, what virtues mean, … and I pray. And I love. Thank you, Erin!

    1. Lynn Cowell says:

      I do too, Sandy! I love what you are doing to invest in your girl…keep up the great word great mom!

    2. Sandy, thank you for your sweet words here and at my web site and on FB. You are such an encouragement, and I know you are a wonderful and intentional mom, too! Like you, I try to fix things. You’re an amazing mom, I can tell 🙂

  4. Erin: love this! My daughter is almost two but I am taking notes from you and Lynn and praying for my little Kate. Blessings sister:)

    1. Lynn Cowell says:

      Tracy…we all need some wise points from those ahead of us! One of my best friends has adult children; I am constantly listening and learning!

    2. Tracy, so glad you joined us today. You are so wise to start early with being intentional. Kate is blessed to have you for a mom!

  5. Sweet friend, Erin…This is so well-written and so one I’m going to put in my “Sarah” binder for later. She’s only seven right now and hasn’t encountered this much but she WILL because eventually, I think we all face a time when we are tested and expected to be bold and not ashamed of the gospel.

    Your wisdom is an inspiration to me, sweet sister. Thank you for this.

    Lyn, thank you for featuring her – you two are a powerhouse for women who are raising daughters!

    MUCH LOVE!

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