Anguish in the Unresolved Yet Hope Abounds

     Angry words fly in the heat of the moment...I feel the vibrations of the floor as she stomps out of the kitchen...then, the slamming of a bedroom door.  I think for a moment while preparing lunch.  I decide to give her time.

     A few minutes later I approach her door, hoping to be allowed in.  She's not interested in talking.  She'd rather be left alone yet she unlocks the door giving me the sign it's okay to approach her - that typically sweet, gentle spirit in our home who has a servant's heart.  I'm not sure what's going on with her these days.  As I lay there on her bed, I wondered - what is she thinking.  Why this sudden onset of anger over the past few weeks?  I just don't know.  God does.    

     I begin to talk calmly and truthfully about the unresolved sin in her life.  I see me in her.  I tell her she's a lot like me when I was younger.  That sin of ungodly anger, that could cripple a marriage, ruin friendships, even cause one to do things that could change the course of their lives, has begun to characterize her demeanor lately.  Sinful anger...it's a sin we can't allow to go unchecked in our children or ourselves.  No matter the cause, we can't excuse or rationalize what God says is sin.  It's sin - period! 

     So I try to talk to her about what is at the root of this torrent of anger she continues to express.  She offers no answers, still not wanting to let me in.  I don't think she knows the cause of her anger.  After all, she is just a child.  But a child that needs to be trained, according to God's Word and in His righteousness.  She knows her unharnessed reactions were wrong.  What to do?!  I'm just not sure.  My heart is torn for her and the fact that I can't fix this issue for her.  I'm in anguish about it and I don't have all the answers.  Yet I know the God who does and He is faithful.  I pray.  I trust the Lord to work it out in His timing.  

     In the meantime, I'll continue to pray, discuss this issue with her when necessary, and point her to the Only One who can truly set her free from this bondage, "being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus" - Philippians 1:6.  Even though this issue is unresolved for now, we have hope in Jesus Christ.  I am grateful for this opportunity to disciple this child.  God still blesses in the midst of our imperfect lives.    

Trusting you are recognizing God's blessings this week!