Read Philippians 4:4-7

To become a parent is such an honor. It is daunting. It is miraculous. It is thrilling. It is nearly impossible to do correctly.

“You call me out upon the waters

The great unknown where feet may fail.

And there I find You in the mystery,

In oceans deep

My faith will stand.”

The first time I heard this comforting and relevant song, OCEANS, I found it to be a mesmerizing song with a very good message.

It is uplifting and the lyrics are about life. The lyrics could be about being a parent, including the mystery of it and the fact that we all fail as parents at times. Hopefully we learn from our mistakes and try to get better. Parenting is the most difficult job I’ve ever had and the hardest thing I have ever done. You plan, you work hard as a parent, be a good example, talk to other parents and communicate with your spouse. Communication is the key. Communicate with God. He is the guide. He is the real key.

“Your grace abounds in deepest waters

Your sovereign hand

Will be my guide

Where feet may fail

And fear surrounds me

You’ve never failed

And You won’t start now.”

As parents, we make decisions based on the information we have. Sometimes we lack information. So, we take a deep breath and we make the decision. We pray to God and ask for His guidance and His sovereign hand. Reciting Philippians 4:4-7 is helpful. Ask God for the peace of God which transcends all understanding. Sometimes that verse means a lot because some of the things that happen while parenting we do not understand.

When our daughter was a senior in college, she drove off the road and into dense woods and did not hit a single tree. Her car was not visible from the road – someone called 911 and, when we arrived on the scene, there was no explanation for how she was unharmed. Why did God protect her?

But looking back, I see God‘s sovereign hand. Rejoice. Be gentle. Do not be anxious. Present your requests to God. Let Him guide you. Can you meet this almost impossible challenge of parenting? Yes, you can – with prayer, petition and thanksgiving!

Tom Weckesser