God knows what it is to be rejected by those whom he has loved and cared for (see John 1:11). He knows what it is like to see a loved one headed for disaster. He knows what it is to long for his children to return to their senses (see Matt. 23:37). He knows what it is to care for his children and want a different life for them, even when they have caused their own plight.

Many faithful Christian parents have been taught that Proverbs 22:6 is a sure-fire promise, not a general life principle. This, along with being told that if you parent a certain way your children will always make the right decisions and know the Lord, can plunge these dear parents into disillusionment and despair. If this describes you or someone in your church, I want to encourage you with this simple truth: God is the perfect Parent, and even he reared children who rebelled against him and went their own way! Therefore, I think the following excerpt from Stuart Scott’s devotional will convince you that God understands and cares.

We do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

Hebrews 4:15-16

God is the perfect Parent, and even he reared children who rebelled against him and went their own way! If your child is rebelling and even rejecting you, he understands what you are going through: “Hear, O heavens, and give ear, O earth; for the Lord has spoken: ‘Children have I reared and brought up, but they have rebelled against me.’ . . . They have forsaken the Lord, they have despised the Holy One of Israel, they are utterly estranged” (Isa. 1:2, 4).

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