Trusting God: The Key to Successful Parenting

Trusting God: My Biggest Mistake as a Mother

Looking back on my journey as a mother, one question continues to resonate in my mind: "If I could parent my daughters all over again, what would I do differently?" In that moment of reflection, a flood of mistakes and failures overwhelmed me, but one answer stood out above all the rest.

I wish I had trusted God more.

Psalm 37:3 has always been one of my favorite verses: "Trust in the Lord, and do good." However, in the chaos of day-to-day motherhood, I often found myself getting this verse backward. I placed an emphasis on "doing good" rather than fully trusting in God's guidance and provision.

"I obsessed over my failures and overlooked God’s faithfulness."

Now, don't get me wrong, I did trust God ultimately, but there were moments when "doing good" took precedence, pushing "trusting God" to the backseat. I became so focused on what I was doing or not doing for my children that I only had a vague awareness of God's faithful presence in my life.

The Power of Trusting God

Trusting God has a profound impact on our parenting journey. When we place our trust in Him, we acknowledge that He is sovereign and has a plan for our children's lives. This trust brings peace and confidence, knowing that God is in control even when circumstances seem uncertain.

Moreover, when we trust God, we surrender our need to control every aspect of our children's lives. We recognize that our role as parents is to guide and nurture them, but ultimately, their lives are in God's hands. This perspective frees us from the weight of unrealistic expectations and allows us to embrace the joy of watching our children grow and flourish according to God's plan.

God's Faithfulness Throughout Scripture

Trusting God is not a new concept. Throughout the Bible, we find countless examples of individuals who placed their trust in Him and witnessed His faithfulness. One such example is the story of Abraham.

Abraham was called to leave his homeland and journey to an unknown land that God would show him. Despite the uncertainty and challenges, Abraham trusted God and obeyed His commands. As a result, God blessed Abraham abundantly and fulfilled His promise to make him a father of many nations.

Another remarkable example of trust is found in the life of Joseph. Despite being sold into slavery by his own brothers and facing numerous trials, Joseph continued to trust in God's plan for his life. Eventually, God elevated Joseph to a position of great influence, allowing him to save his family and the entire nation of Egypt from famine.

These stories serve as a reminder that when we trust God, He is faithful to fulfill His promises and work all things together for our good (Romans 8:28). As parents, we can find comfort and encouragement in knowing that the same God who was faithful to Abraham and Joseph is also faithful to us and our children.

Practical Steps to Cultivate Trust

Trusting God is not always easy, especially in the midst of the challenges and uncertainties of parenting. However, there are practical steps we can take to cultivate a deeper trust in God:

1. Prayer: Make prayer a regular part of your parenting journey. Take time each day to pour out your heart to God, expressing your fears, hopes, and dreams for your children. Invite God into every aspect of your parenting and trust that He is listening and working in ways beyond your understanding.


2. Bible Study: Dive into God's Word and discover His promises and truths that apply to parenting. Meditate on verses that remind you of God's faithfulness and His love for your children. Allow the Bible to shape your perspective and guide your decisions as a parent.


3. Community: Surround yourself with a community of believers who can support and encourage you in your journey of trusting God. Seek out fellow parents who share your faith and can offer wisdom and insights from their own experiences. Together, you can remind one another of God's faithfulness and pray for each other's children.


4. Letting Go: Release the need to control every aspect of your children's lives. Trust that God loves them even more than you do and has a perfect plan for their future. Give them the freedom to make mistakes and learn from them, knowing that God can work through even their failures to shape them into the individuals He created them to be.

The Beauty of Trusting God

Trusting God is a lifelong journey, and as parents, we have the privilege of modeling this trust for our children. When they see us relying on God's guidance and provision, they learn to do the same. They witness the beauty of surrendering control and embracing the peace that comes from trusting in a loving and faithful God.

As I reflect on my own journey as a mother, I am reminded of the countless times God has been faithful, even when I doubted and questioned my abilities. I am grateful for the lessons learned and the growth that comes from trusting God more fully.

So, as you navigate the highs and lows of parenthood, remember that your ultimate goal is not to be a perfect parent but to trust in the perfect God who loves your children even more than you do. Trust Him with every aspect of your parenting journey, and watch as He works miracles in the lives of your children.

Trust in the Lord, and do good.