AoO Chapter 6: Goals, Glory, and Grace

Tripp walked into his son's bedroom feeling overwhelmed. He was physically tired and also a tired parent. His son accused him of being unloving, unkind, and lacking in understanding. He seemed to argue with every point. He was unresponsive and also deliberately irritated him. Somewhere in the conversation, Tripp loses his temper. In his anger, he spoke some of the most unkind words he had ever spoken. Afterwards, Tripp was then torn between self-pity and conviction- he wanted his son to be hurt the same way that his son had hurt him. Yet, he knew that was wrong. Tripp cried out for God's help and forgiveness, prayed for faith and perseverance. He was never more aware of his own moment-by-moment need for the Lord.

Parents must view their difficult role from the vantage point of the awesome power of God.

"Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us, to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations for ever and ever! Amen" (Eph 3:20).

God's power created the world, holds the universe together, raised Christ from the dead, and defeated sin. We must parent in His power and strength. His awesome power resides in all His people, by His Spirit. God has given us everything we need to live for Him and His glory in this life and the life to come:

"His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and goodness. Through these He has given us His very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires." (2 Pet. 1)

Alex's thoughts: How often I forget about the divine power given freely by God and secured through Christ! The more I realize how much I am lacking in faith, goodness, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, brotherly kindness, and love, the more I realize I need that divine power.