Mom Heart Moments #179

I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.

NEGATIVE ATTITUDES OF the heart —whining, complaining, discouragement, defeatism —can affect our ability to endure. As I told my children, those are all natural responses to difficulty. Endurance requires the habit of faith, which you can intentionally train in your children.

The basis for a life of endurance is faith in a holy and good God. Your children need to have Scripture in their minds so that when they meet discouragement and fear, they can speak words of truth into their struggle.

Encouragement helps your children endure by faith; positive words will narrate steadfastness into their lives. Instead of lecturing your discouraged child, or verbalizing disappointment, articulate your belief in them. “I believe you can do this. I can’t wait to see what God does with your life. I’m so proud of you. Keep trying. You’re getting to be so strong. Don’t give up.” Your words of affirmation will become solid ground they can stand on to take the next step.

Narrate hero stories. One of the best and most delightful ways you can teach your children what enduring faith looks like is to read stories about heroism. Read to your children stories of biblical heroes, of missionaries, of historical people who lived their whole lives with an enduring faith in God. For Christian stories, we loved the Hero Tales series by Dave and Neta Jackson. We also read books about William Wilberforce, Abraham Lincoln, and many other historical figures —men and women who influenced their generations in heroic ways. We read biographies of great scientists, artists, inventors, explorers, statesmen, and teachers who endured with faith in order to change the world through their lives. Every story you read with your children feeds their imagination of what it looks like to be brave, to be gracious, to endure hardship, and to win the race.

What’s your favorite method for encouraging your children (and yourself!) to endure?