Going to the Gym of Life

New school year! Fresh book bags and lunch boxes. A different bus route. Brand new teachers and subjects. So much to learn!

The little ones still at home also have lessons to do: sleeping in a new crib, potty training, and not throwing temper tantrums.

And challenges are coming for parents, too: a demanding career with multiple tasks and difficult people, or the problem-solving, budgeting, and bottomless chore list for those working in the home.

The whole family faces life with its challenges, failures, and triumphs. We have things to learn, temptations to fight, and hardships to handle.

And the Lord tells us to be strong in them all.

All who trust the Lord,

be cheerful and strong.

Psalm 31:24 (CEV)

Often, we tend to pray along the lines of “Lord, take these problems off my back,” rather than, “Lord, strengthen my back to carry these burdens.” Instead of praying for a way out, we can benefit by trusting the Lord in the painful process of growing. We know he has our best in mind with everything that comes our way.

While it is difficult to watch a child struggle with learning a new skill, fighting a temptation, or being hurt by a hardship, we can hold to hope and understand that this hard work will produce good results in their character and life. To try to shield them from all hard things would be like going to the gym but not letting them break a sweat. The results of growth in strength would be minimal.

Encourage each other in the hard things. Pray for strength, and thank God for growth and patience until he gives the reward.

PRAY

Lord, I want to trust you in this process of growing a strong child. Please help me be cheerful and strong myself. Help me encourage my child as they do the hard work of learning. Amen.

TIME TO TALK

Conversation starter for kids: Provides you with questions and prompts to facilitate a time of applicable discussion with children to lead them towards knowing God and His Word more deeply.

Question(s): How does God help you be strong?

Apply: With younger kids: have them try lifting weights by themselves, then with you helping them. Talk about how God helps us grow stronger to handle heavy problems. With older kids: get to the gym or a park and do some strength training. Encourage them by sharing ways you see God strengthening their faith and walk with God.

KEEP IT GOING

Related passages: These additional verses will help parents expand Scriptural knowledge and place on the armor of God’s Word to tackle each day. Swipe to read the passages today.

James 1:2-4

1 Peter 1:6-7