Don’t mess with my kid!

Yeah, I was a fierce Mama Bear when the public school assigned afternoon Kindergarten for my precious 5-year-old. She still required an afternoon nap. Yes, required! Children of working mothers attended morning Kindergarten and children with stay-at-home moms attended afternoons. The child’s need wasn’t considered. I knew my baby learned best in the morning so Mama Bear reared her head to fight the system.

Don’t all Mama and Papa Bears want the best for our children?

Absolutely! So, I was deeply convicted by Paul’s impassioned proclamation to the Romans:

I speak the truth in Christ – I am not lying, my conscience confirms it in the Holy Spirit – I have great sorrow and unceasing anguish in my heart. For I could wish that I myself were cursed and cut off from Christ for the sake of my brothers, those of my own race, the people of Israel. Romans 9:1-4

This Mama Bear read the passage and slumped and hung my head. Paul’s words pierced my heart. I serve in ministry, hold a Masters in Theological Studies, write about scripture, and preach Jesus, but can’t speak Paul’s truth regarding my own children.

My confession:

• I am not greatly anguished for their souls.
• I do not pray unceasingly for them to know the fullness of life in Jesus.
• I’d leap in front of a speeding bullet to save them. How far would I go for their sake spiritually?

 Has Mama Bear lost her fight?

No, but I’ve lost sight of the primary battle. I’ve forgotten my own before and after story. Following Jesus is the best decision I ever made.

• Jesus is the way, the truth, and the one who gives me life. John 14:6
• I believe no one comes to the Father except through his sacrifice. John 14:6
• I believe Jesus will separate the sheep who hear his voice from the goats that ignore him. Matt 25:31-33

I know walking with Jesus will yield their best self and their best life and I hope they find him. But, so far it’s just wishful thinking. I’m convicted by Paul’s heart filled with unceasing anguish.

Why isn’t Mama Bear fighting for her pack?

I have all sorts of excuses:

• I’m uncomfortable proclaiming there’s only one way to God.
• Asserting my faith might cause stronger resistance.
• My actions speak louder than words.
• I raised them in the church. Now it’s their decision.
• Share your excuses or successes in the comments.

All true, but alongside modeling the love of Jesus and gently speaking his truth, I can claw at heaven’s doors in prayer.

Jesus spoke of a persistent widow who badgered an uncompassionate, unjust, ungodly judge until he granted her request because she kept bothering him. How much more will our good God grant our requests if we cry out to him day and night? (Luke 18:1-8) Pray and don’t give up, especially when the request aligns with God’s desires:

This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. 1 Tim 2:3-4

This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of him. 1 John 5:14-15

Mama Bear is fighting for her babies again! Claws out!

Let’s chat (in the comments):

• How do you fight for your family’s faith?
• How do you manage your desire for them to find faith on their own?
• Has persistent prayer paid off in your family? Please share your story in the comments to inspire others.

The Kindergartener’s Mama Bear won the fight and the teacher won too. She had only one readily available volunteer for her morning classroom. Oh, and my baby learned during her best time of day.

#SeedsofScripture #biblestory #scripturestudy #readthebiblebetter #apostlepaul #persistentprayer #praycontinually #romans9 #fightwithprayer