I used to have several addictions. When I tried to control one, another one would pop up in its place. I can thank my d.n.a for that! Anyhow, I’m guessing you have several bad habits as a mom that you would like to master and when it all boils down, it’s the same, a nasty habit–stealing your joy and peace.
You try to control your temper or yelling and yet when you’ve done absolutely everything possible (including bribing those sweet kiddos with Popsicles) you still explode. Next comes the guilt and irritation. And then you resolve in your own will and strength to “I will never do _______ again.”
In Your Own Strength, You Will Fail
Guess what little Mama? You’re going to fail. Speaking as a former addict, trying to quit a bad habit in your own strength is setting you up for failure. Look at this way, we are perfectly imperfect. God created us with a few flaws. And within those flaws is where we see the magnificence of God. He works through our weaknesses. Look back in all the stories we’ve read in the Bible. Doubting Peter, Mumbling Moses, Passionate David, Daring Jacob.
Yet one promise repeats itself over and over, in each of these stories, the common thread to conquering their enemy, foe, or bad habit was surrendering their strength-their will for God’s.
The Living God
One of the stories in my book, Mama Needs A Time Out, I share –very transparently– about my past and my choices. I learn in the midst of dying (almost) that our God is The Living God (El Chay). El Chay means God exists, that he is present, and has the strength we need to get through our worst moments, our worst habits.
Today, you may be tangled up in “I suck at this, I yell about that, I’m not good at being a mom” but I want to urge you to get on your knees during your weakest moments and ask God for the strength to overcome your issues. He is ready and willing to break the chains.
Your Promises
Here is a list of promises you can print out, hang it on your fridge or tape it to your dashboard.
I am God’s child. John 1:12
I am Christ’s friend. John 15:15
I belong to God. 1 Corinthians 6:20
I have a purpose. Ephesians 1:9-11
God’s power works through me. Ephesians 3:7
I have God’s Strength. Philippians 4:12-13.