Sunday, October 18, 2009

Praying for Your Kids Monday
Health

When I turned the internet on yesterday the first thing that popped up was "the news" stating that another 11 children had died from the H1N1 virus. Maybe you're like me and you've become a bit immune to the fear mongering of the media, nevertheless, when it comes to kids getting sick I always tune in. Yesterday wasn't any different; I clicked on the headline and read the what to do's and what not to do's for the 100th time.

When it comes to our children's health it isn't always easy to trust God. We want to control the things about our kids, especially when it comes to their well being. Now please don't misunderstand, I am NOT suggesting we don't take our kids to the doctor or any of that weird stuff. What I am suggesting is letting go of the fear that can sometimes grip our hearts about our kids getting the cold or flu or infections or God forbid a life-threatening illness.

Remember this verse: "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future" (Jeremiah 29:11). Hold this verse close, memorize it so when you're giving Tylenol to cool a fever or rushing them to the ER for stitches you can calm yourself, and them, with the promises of a loving Father. He has plans for them.

Maybe there is someone reading this right now and the swine flu is the least of your worries. You are living the unthinkable: your child has a serious disability, illness or life-threatening illness. You may wondering if that verse applies to your child because what's happening right now doesn't seem like "plans to prosper". While I can't imagine your pain and fear, may I suggest this verse does apply. In the midst of your sorrow and your child's struggle, God is there. Your child's earthly future may be uncertain but his eternal one is secure. God has sent His mighty Spirit to be with your child; to comfort, to bring peace, to promise hope.

For those of you live in fear of what "may happen" to your healthy children: let it go. God keeps His promises and He has plans for them. His plans may look different than ours but He is good and He is in control.

God, I confess that I want to control the health of my children yet I know there are some things that are out of my hands. I place ___________ in Your competent hands and rest assured that You have plans for her. Thank You for being a God who keeps Your promises. Thank You for being a God who has sent a Spirit that casts out fear and replaces it with hope. Thank You for loving __________ even more than I do; I bless her with good health and long life so that she may serve You and be a part of building Your kingdom. Amen.

3 comments:

Heather said...

Jen,
Thank you for the post. Made me cry. Maybe that's just me and just what I'm going through right now but...at any rate, I have been worried about Eastons health, and your words...just right for right now! THANK YOU!

Dena said...

thanks for this jenn, so well written, so right at a mom's heart, especially right now. thank you for allowing God to use you as a vessel.

and hey, that girl heather is from my old church in CA....small world!!!!

kim w. said...

thanks friend, i have been a little ocd about H1N1 and i need to just let go of the fears i have! you are a gift!