Have you ever asked yourself, "What on earth does God have in mind by allowing both me and my teen to struggle so?"

I often see Christians who believe that parenting according to scriptural values, taking their kids to church every time the doors are open, and promoting family togetherness means that all will be well in the teenage years. Like buying an insurance plan, they think that doing the right things will bring about the right result.

Let me tell you, based on years of experience with struggling teens and their parents, that this thinking is just plain wrong. Never assume that applying a continuous moral or religious presence in your childs life will in itself bring about a perfect transition from childhood to adulthood. It can help and should be encouraged, but it is no guarantee. The often-quoted scripture "train up a child in the way he should go" says nothing about the turbulent teenage years. In fact, youll want to remember that some biblical characters with seemingly perfect spiritual upbringings had difficulties themselves in their teenage years.

Stuff happens that is out of our control as parents, and even if we do everything right, stuff still happens. One angelic teenager can lead us to think that we have found the right formula, right up until we see our next child go down a completely different path. Welcome to the real world where God gives each of our children a free will.

And, welcome to the one thing in life over which you have absolutely no control. It may be the first time in your life that you have to lean on God completely. And thats not all bad.

Could this Time Be Gods Challenge to You?

In the heart of any parenting struggle there is usually more that we can learn. For instance, could God want us to know Him more fully? Could we benefit from a different perspective and have a better understanding of how to help other kids or parents? Could this difficult time reveal areas of our lives that need to change?

The point is this. In Gods economy there is always a point to the pain. So allow God to use this time to move you along to a better place or to develop your own character.

Consider Psalm 139:23-24, "Search me oh God, and know my anxious thoughts, and see if there is any hurtful way in me, and lead me in paths of righteousness."

In addition, think about Matthew 7:4-5, "How can you say, My friend, let me take the speck out of your eye, when you dont see the log in your own eye? Youre nothing but show-offs! First, take the log out of your own eye. Then you can see how to take the speck out of your friends eye."

Do you have something that needs attention in your own life at the same time as you seek help for your teen? If so, remember thisit could have lasting benefits that go far beyond this difficult period. You will learn to trust God in a very real way.

You will learn how to become a good listener one who waits to be invited.

You will grow spiritually, become more self-controlled, slower to speak, slower to anger.

You will realize that God is still dependable, even when everything seems out of control.

You will learn the extent of Gods great love for you.

You will develop wisdom that is useful for the next generation in your family.

Other parents will benefit from watching you handle your struggle in the right way.

Out of desperation, you will stop faking your faith and make your dependence upon God real.

You see, the struggle is always partly about us, how we handle things and how we seek Gods help in the midst of the storm. It will challenge and sharpen our beliefs and help us confront our fear of losing control. Stated in another way, it will help build our faith and dependence on Gods every provision in our lives.

Aim Higher

Isnt it somewhat comforting to know that God may have a bigger purpose in it all for both you and your teen? If you believe that, then dont just focus on your teenagers struggles at this time. Step in front of a mirror and look for areas in your own life that need to grow, and aim to make those changes with Gods help.

Take a moment right now to think about how God might be using your situation to reveal more about His character, and how that knowledge can help you in turn deal with your struggling teen.

The path of parenting a struggling teen isnt an easy one, but theres more than one reason for the struggle and Im sure you dont want to miss any lesson that God desires to have you learn from your circumstance. Hang in there; youll get through it, and so will your teen. And when "on the other side" of this bump in the road, youll see that Gods plan was much bigger than just eliminating the struggle.

My first book, entitled When Your Teen is Struggling, is a great follow up to this article. You can purchase this book by going to our website, www.ParentingTodaysTeens.org or call 903.668.2173.

Its a book that will help all parents understand the process of "struggle" and give insight into the heart of a teen who is.

 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Mark Gregston is an author, speaker, radio host, and the founder and director of Heartlight, located in Hallsville, Texas. For more information and helpful resources for moms and dads, check out our website. It's filled with ideas and tools to help you become a more effective parent. Go to www.heartlightministries.org. Or read other helpful articles by Mark, at www.markgregston.com. You can also call Heartlight directly at (903) 668-2173. Hear the Parenting Today's Teens broadcast on a radio station near you, or download the podcast at www.parentingtodaysteens.org.