I hung up the phone in shock. My younger son, Zac, had just been suspended from school. I couldn’t believe it. How could my son do such a thing? He knew better. We had taught him not to do things like that. Why?
I knelt down and asked God why Zac had done this. Don’t ask God that question if you don’t want to know! As I read my Bible, God showed me that it was my fault. God impressed me that a certain behavior my son had seen in my life through the years had made him think it was OK to do what he did. I was devastated. I repented, confessed my sin, and thanked God for forgiveness.
I am so grateful that God’s Word says, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9, NKJV).
I’m sure my son expected a scolding when he arrived home. Instead, I shared with him what God had shown me. “Zac,” I said, “I have confessed it as sin, and I know God forgives me, but will you forgive me for being a bad example to you?” I will never forget the look on his face or the tears in his eyes. I saw my rebellious young teenager soften before my eyes.
Zac is all grown up now. He is a pastor who is very in love with Jesus. He is passionate about seeing souls won to God’s kingdom.
There is much more to his story and how God led me, as his mom, to change my behavior. Maybe another time I can share with you how God showed me to pray for his conversion.
One thing I know without a doubt: if we will spend quality time with God reading His Word, asking Him to lead, and listening to Him, Jesus will guide us in our family relationships.
So many times God has impressed me while I am reading the Bible to do something or stop doing something.
I’ve not wanted to hear it and have sometimes refused to do it. How I regret those times! Looking back, I’m so thankful that this time I listened and obeyed. Humbling ourselves and admitting our mistakes to our children and our spouses is priceless for eternity.
