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A Better Day
My son VJ is 11 years old. As he enters the stage in his life where girls, negative peer pressure and who knows what else, will be vying for his attention, I find myself more and more praying to God that he remain on the narrow path. I know that he will have struggles. I also know that soon, my son’s need for independence will bring him to challenge my authority. Oh yes, I do come from the old school of "spare the rod spoil the child", so I have been known to give a loving "smack upside the head" when needed. Alas, I also know that the time for that has long passed for VJ.
I faithfully believe that what will sustain VJ through these challenging years is the word of God, prayer, and knowing that God loves him.
In 1 Peter, Christians are suffering under the rule of the Roman Empire. Peter writes to encourage them with the truth that God is with them. He tells them their brothers are going through struggles all over the world and they are to remain strong in their faith and to "rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed". He reminds them that our Father in Heaven has a plan for them, and that plan is everlasting.
Here’s a prayer I wrote for VJ after reading 1 Peter:
Father God, I pray that I always respect my parents, teachers and adults; that I may be kind and helpful to everyone. I know you don’t like it when I am disrespectful, or look down on others, and I am truly sorry that I have been guilty of that. I sincerely ask for your forgiveness. I kneel before you because you are awesome. I thank you for all you have done for me, and because you know me and love me.
Lord I pray for strength to stand on guard against anything that tries to pull me away from you. I pray that you will surround me with friends who share my faith and my struggles.
Lord, thank you for your son Jesus. I know that because of him, no matter what trouble I have, it will not last for long. May your kingdom reign forever. Amen
I think the prayer you pray for your son we should pray for all of us. God help me to respect those who have authority over me. Help me to be humble and not proud. Help me to turn the other cheek and to not think more of myself than I do of others. Give me your strength in times when I am tempted to sin. Thank you for caring for me, for sending your son to die for me, for being patient with me, for shining your grace upon me. Help me to share these same things with those around me.