“May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word.” 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17 (NIV)

The math gene skipped our family. We do not understand algebra, geometry, or calculus. (Fortunately, we can balance our checkbooks!) Anything beyond basic arithmetic skills is beyond us.
However, there is one element of mathematics that I understand-infinity. Infinity goes on forever. It has no end. The only reason I can grasp this concept is that I have experienced it.
Sometimes, I experience discouragement concerning the problems of my child. Yet, somehow, God will provide a message of encouragement. It may be a song on the radio. A Scripture will resonant in my soul. A friend will call to chat about and pray for my wild child. The ways the Lord speaks hope to me is endless. He offers me eternal encouragement as I struggle with the never-ending episodes of wayward behavior from my child.
I may not comprehend algebra, and I certainly do not understand my child. Nonetheless, I do grasp that the Lord understands both my prodigal and me. “Great is our Lord, and of great power: his understanding is infinite” (Psalm 147:5 KJV). Thankfully, I do not have to solve algebra equations or my wild child’s self-made problems. God’s infinite understanding equates to eternal encouragement for both of us. Because of this, I can pray and not be distracted by discouragement. I will ask God to multiply His demonstrations of love to both of us. Our family doesn’t need any more division, but to be unified by understanding and encouragement. I know God will add these to our home so we can find a balance in our relationships.
Dear Lord, demonstrate Your love to my child. Allow him/her to experience Your love and grace. Encourage them in their heart and strengthen them in every good deed and word. Lord God, cleanse my child from all the sin that he/she has committed against You. Grant eternal encouragement and hope to all my children. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

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Related Resources:

Join us for more Everyday Life encouragement on parenting
Birds in My Mustard Tree by Susanne Scheppmann
She's Gonna Blow! Real Help For Dealing With Mom Anger by Julie Ann Barnhill
Application Steps:Pray for your child every day. Look for specific Scriptures that you can pray concerning your children.
Reflections:How often do I become discouraged over my child’s behaviors?
Do I complain about my child to others?
How can I help keep unity in our family?

Power Verses:

Ephesians 4:3, “Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.” (NIV)
Psalm 147:5, “Great is our Lord, and of great power: his understanding is infinite.” (KJV)
Jeremiah 51:15, “He made the earth by his power; he founded the world by his wisdom and stretched out the heavens by his understanding.” (NIV)