When Our Children Don’t Listen
Parenting in today’s world often feels like shouting into the wind. Our children are busy, distracted, and driven by their own desires. They have access to technology, friends, and outside influences that can drown out our voice. As parents, we want nothing more than to protect, guide, and prepare them for what’s ahead—but sometimes they just don’t listen.
We warn them of the dangers of rushing into relationships, overspending, neglecting prayer, or ignoring their purpose. Yet, they roll their eyes or respond with “I got this.” And just like that, they take paths that lead to unnecessary heartache.
As painful as it is to watch, their journey mirrors our own.
A Mirror to Our Walk With Christ
Just as our children often reject our counsel, we too, as children of God, sometimes reject His. He says “wait”—but we rush. He says “turn away”—but we’re enticed. He offers wisdom—but we lean on our own understanding.
Have you ever found yourself saying, “Lord, I know what I’m doing,” only to end up in tears, asking Him to clean up the mess?
Jesus is the ultimate Parent—always guiding, always loving, always willing to take us back. But make no mistake, He disciplines those He loves (Hebrews 12:6). Not to punish us, but to shape us, teach us, and restore us.
Biblical Lessons from Disobedience and Redemption
Let’s look at a few biblical examples where parental guidance—God’s guidance—was ignored, and the consequences taught deep, lasting lessons:
1. The Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32)
The son demanded his inheritance early and left home to live wildly. Only after hitting rock bottom did he come to his senses. The father never stopped loving him but allowed him to feel the weight of his choices. And when he returned, broken but wiser, he was welcomed with open arms.
2. Jonah
Jonah was instructed to go to Nineveh, but he ran in the opposite direction. His disobedience led him to the belly of a fish—a dark, tight space of reflection. Sometimes, we too must be swallowed by our situations to finally say, “Yes, Lord, I’ll go.”
3. King Saul
Saul disobeyed God’s instructions and chose to do things his way (1 Samuel 15). Though he looked the part of a king, his disobedience cost him the throne. God desires obedience over sacrifice. Our potential means nothing if we won’t submit to God’s direction.
A Heart Check for Today
Take a moment to reflect. Are there areas where you’ve ignored God’s guidance? Have you brushed off His voice because it conflicted with your plan? Is there a “parental instruction” from the Lord that you’ve left unread, unheeded, or undone?
Imagine how you feel when your children don’t listen to your wisdom. Now, flip that. How must God feel when you do the same?
The truth is: parental guidance is necessary—especially when it comes from the Father of all wisdom, love, and truth.
Encouragement for the Journey
If you’ve been walking your own way, it’s not too late to turn around. Just as we’re willing to forgive and embrace our children, God is even more ready to restore us. Don’t let pride keep you out of alignment. Don’t let delay become disobedience. His arms are still open.
Choose to submit. Choose to listen. Choose to trust.
Prayer of Realignment
Father God, thank You for never giving up on me. Thank You for Your patience, even when I go my own way. Forgive me for ignoring Your voice and choosing my plan over Yours. Teach me to trust You again. Help me to listen, to obey, and to follow Your guidance even when it’s uncomfortable. Just as I want my children to hear my voice and follow, let me hear Your voice clearly and respond with a willing heart. I surrender my will, my ways, and my thoughts to You. Lead me, and I will follow. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Stay encouraged, family. The Father’s voice is still speaking. Make room to hear Him.
-Mouthpiece Of Gold 💛
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