Confronting With Truth

Yesterday marks day two of our lost remote.

Monday evening, I came across a social media post, that linked to an article on the verse of Scripture discussing provoking your kids to anger.

I've yet to read it, but I couldn't help as I went about my day yesterday, if came to remembrance as I sought direction for today's post. As usually happens, reflecting on the happenings of my day and life often transcends and fast-forwards to ministry... how pastors handle family issues, and in particular, how kids and teens under their ministry are impacted and receive the messages, direct and indirect that they pick up along the way and carry with them until confronted.

Two plus hours going through the kids bedroom last night and still no remote.

I'm fit to be tied. To no avail, it was time to think about getting the girls ready for bed.

Then, an hour and half after bedtime and I was face to face with the matter... my oldest upset and telling me, once again, she was a bad kid.

I'm not sure what took so long, to recognize in this moment, that this was a spiritual battle.

There was no gearing up. The attitude change was immediate, as I stepped up to engage...

Repeatedly telling her she was loved
Repeatedly telling her I refused to believe the lie that she was a bad kid.
Repeatedly telling her that I refused to believe this spirit that was raising an attitude against me that would not listen to the truth.

I stood my ground in reaffirming her as my daughter, whom I love and always have and will.
I stood firm, reaffirming that she is a gift from God; an inheritance from the kingdom of God.
I boldly served notice, that this defiant spirit has no authority, nor place in my home.
And of course, the hard part... acknowledging my role in all of this. Whether I had set an example that was less than Christ-like or that an upset and frustrated attitude was justifiable to display to those around us; regardless... the lie that's she's a bad kid is no more or less of a lie, than my believing that I'm a bad Dad.

But I won't allow her behavior to dictate the truth of who she is in Christ, then I should believe the lie of the enemy to my spirit, that I am less of a man, husband, father and friend than what Christ speaks over my life.

As if I wasn't already tired, stepping into spiritual, warrior Dad mode did me in.
Perhaps that's part of the problem.

The whole trick of the enemy...
...to be frustrated with the temporal so that you are unaware of the flanking invasion.

If I am not immune to such a battle in my life and home, how much more for pastors; and the kids and youth (and parents for that matter) that sit under their ministry.

So... will you join me once again?

Pray, this #youthPastorWednesday, for the attacks that are being waged on our youth. Pray the enemy would be thwarted; that his lies would be refuted. Pray for boldness to confront defeatist attitudes in our homes and churches. May we not be so frustrated and bothered; angered even by the things and circumstances that don't matter, but righteously stand for what weighs in the balance of eternity. Pray a hedge of protection, of our youth, and our pastors that lead them. May their identity be found in Christ; His purpose and plans made known for their lives and for the events that are designed to destroy their lives would falter. Pray the grace of God would cause them to rise above and live victorious.

Confidently walking in the ways of God
Speaking the truth in love.
Spiritually wise to the attacks of the enemy.
Having done all to stand; standing firm.
For the glory of God.
For the cause of Jesus Christ.

- PNC