I love watching the television show 19 Kids and Counting. I’ve even had the opportunity to meet Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar and all their kids at one of our annual Christian book conventions.
They have a wonderful testimony on God’s blessings and have done an amazing job teaching their teens to live pure, godly lives.
I think how wonderful life would be for all teens and families to embrace some of the Duggars’ teachings, such as courting–really getting to know someone instead of serial dating, withholding physical affection until marriage and dressing modestly
Unfortunately, many of us come from broken homes without parents who aren’t as invested in their children’s lives as the Duggars. That doesn’t matter though, because there is always one parent, above all parents, who will always bless me and you and all the other children of the world.
Do you ever wonder if God can still use you to reach your teen in the midst of your broken family? Are you struggling to make ends meet? Do you find it difficult to be “the perfect parent” in an imperfect world? Here are a few things to remember.
1) We live in a fallen, broken world, and it fell the day that Adam and Eve disobeyed the Lord. Our lives will face many trials, but the Lord promises to meet us wherever we are. Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you. (Hebrews 13:5, NIV)
2) The Lord is in control and knows all the trials you face. Trust Him with your life, and He will give you the strength to get through your difficulties. I’ve personally experienced His love and provisions, despite the challenges of growing up in a broken home and being a single mother myself at one time. He will do the same for you.
3) God desires to give you a life full of love, grace, and forgiveness. Don’t be discouraged and think that God couldn’t possibly use you because of failures in your life. He will teach you and prepare you to do great things through those failures if you trust and follow him.
My ministry reaches the teen girls and their parents who face many of today’s challenges, things that seem so different from the television show that inspires me.
I pray that I can inspire those who have had a few bumps along the road to believe that God is going to do great things for your life so that you can help and inspire others. Get ready.
