Freedom for Angry Moms: 5 Days of Biblical EncouragementНамуна

fight the good fight

It’s okay to fight, Momma. Fight the good fight. When we know that we are in a battle, we are not caught off guard by the temptation to lose our composure. In the spiritual realm, there are battles being fought on our behalf that we may not even be aware of, but sometimes, the conflicts become so intense that there is no mistake that we are under attack. Satan can weaken our home by weakening us, and that is when he gains ground. So, fight!

Fighting with our kids is a distraction and a misdirection. We do not fight against flesh and blood. There came a point in my mothering where I began to recognize that my anger and frustration was meant for my enemy, not my child. The next time your child sins or does something immature but normal for their age, recognize it as an arrow meant to attack your resolve to be a gentle, godly mom. Then raise your shield. Plant your feet firmly on the Rock of Jesus. Adjust your helmet and lift your sword. Then kneel in prayer for your son or daughter, inviting Jesus to help them with their struggles. Attack in the spiritual realm instead of advancing against your son or daughter. They are not the real enemy.

It’s one thing to be on the defense, but moms have the great privilege of acting on the offense. Move toward the protection of your children and seek to launch your own arrows. We do so not by shooting bullets from our tongues in anger, but by striking back against Satan when we offer grace and lovingkindness to our children. We win battles by being patient. We take victory by taking joy in the opportunity to love our kids when their behavior is unlovely. We advance when we acknowledge sin with love and empathy. In our children’s worst moments, we breathe life into them by telling them we know they will learn and grow from this struggle instead of spewing condemnation over them. Each time you circle them in prayer and speak truth over your circumstances, you take a victory lap, Momma. It’s a battle the Lord has already won.

Jesus, You won the ultimate battle on the cross when You paid the price for our sins through Your death. I often forget that I am fighting a spiritual battle and that I do not need to fight with my child. Allow Your Holy Spirit to remind me that a triggered moment is an opportunity to fight against flesh and blood. Help me be at peace, knowing that even when I fight the good fight, You are my strength and shield. I rest in Your victory. Thank You for fighting for me and with me. In Jesus’ name, amen.

PUT IT INTO PRACTICE

The next time an argument begins with your child, stop right there in the moment and pray. Pray aloud. Quiet your spirit and tell your son or daughter that this is not a battle between the two of you, but a battle you can win in the spiritual realm. It’s okay if they are young and do not grasp this; it’s more about our response of faith. Kids pick up on more than we realize, and God will use you to show them how to lean on Jesus in every difficult situation and time of need.