Relationship Coach

Now may our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God our Father, who loved us and gave us eternal comfort and good hope through grace, comfort your hearts and establish them in every good work and word.

─ 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17 ESV

“I just don’t know if I’m ready for children,” Todd told Abigail.

Abigail took a slow, deep breath. He said he wanted children when they were dating, but now, after seven years of marriage, his pause concerned her.

“I’ve seen you with our nieces, nephews and even the babies at church. Please tell me what’s really going on,” she prodded.

He took her hand. “The truth is, I’m scared. What if I’m not a good parent? What if I make mistakes and damage them for life? What if I’m like my mom?”

There it was. Todd’s mom struggled with addiction and eventually abandoned him while he was still in grade school.

“You are not like your mom, and you never will be,” Abigail assured him. “You have something she never had – the wisdom of God living inside of you. God can be your personal parenting coach. He’ll show you what your child needs every step of the way,” Abigail encouraged.

“I know God has been a marriage coach, for sure,” Todd admitted.

“We’re going to make mistakes if we choose to be parents,” Abigail said softly. “And when we do, we have to trust God to show us what to do to help make up for our shortcomings.”

“And He will,” Todd said, smiling.

Don’t let fear keep you from your dream. God wants to lead you and guide you along the path He’s prepared for you. He’ll help you take on challenges and navigate the unknown – even parenting.

Today’s One Thing

Invite God to become your personal relationship coach – not just in parenting your children, if you have them – but in all your relationships.

How have you let fear drive your decisions instead of God? Take inventory of recent choices made, what was the driving force behind those decisions? Now remember to let the comfort of God fill you and lead you in your relationships, your choices and your daily life.

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