A Parenting Revelation

It hit me today like a crashing wave that I didn't see coming.  Like I'd been blind for weeks and I finally saw clearly.  My children's behavior in the last few weeks has nothing to do with my parenting; not my awesomeness and not my failings.  I don't need to wake up earlier, stay up later, or work harder.  I don't need to add more activities, more educational tools, more attitude adjusting tactics, or more emotional investment.  Seriously guys, I'm all in.  How do you get MORE IN?

But then I saw the words... on a preschool handout for Bible Study Fellowship...

In September, I joined the band within our Millennial Ministry called Incurrent.  My husband and I also started leading a Community Group for Incurrent and we've now added members of all ages.  Have you ever heard that when you step up in leadership, you paint a target on your back?  Satan doesn't have to fight the complacent church member sitting on the pew, he fights those who have stepped up to battle.  He aims for those who have stepped into the light.  He shoots for the leaders to take down the multitudes.

In addition to that, my girls and I have joined Bible Study Fellowship for the first time and we're studying the Book of Revelation.  This isn't a study about history.  It's a Book like none other because it has yet to be fulfilled.  It is literally the Revelation of Jesus Christ.

 "Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear it and take to heart what is written in it, because the time is near" Revelation 1:3

And it's NOT just the adults studying this topic, it's the preschoolers too. Yes, teaching 2-5 year olds about the truth of Jesus Christ and His eminent return.  It's powerful.  And it's investing in the kingdom for the next generation.  I'm not satisfied sitting on the sidelines, I'm raising up an army.  I've got 2 arrows in my quiver and I am aiming well.

I am leading worship with a generation of people who are tired of mediocrity, desperate for some authentic Christians to rise up.  People who don't want to punch an attendance card but come boldly in and worship a God who is completely Holy.  People who take off the church mask and lay themselves at the feet of Christ.  That is my purpose.  That is the fuel in my fire; to burn brightly for His Name.  To worship wholly and fully.  To be a vessel that is completely available to God and all He has laid out for me.

So yes, Satan has reason to target me.  I'm not hiding.  I'm not afraid.  I am bold and determined.  And WHERE is the best place to hit a SAHM... at home, with her children.  But now I see it.  Now it's obvious.  I don't feel like I'm flailing in the ocean anymore.  I don't wonder what I'm doing wrong and why I'm failing.  I will press on when the days are long and hard.  I will love my children in the midst of tantrums.  I will teach them the Word of God because it is our weapon in this spiritual war.  I will pray over them and for them.  And Satan, you better watch out, cause you just poked the Mama Bear.