The Parenting Role I Have Come to Love… Maybe Above All Others
By Emily McLeod
I do a lot of things as a mom and wife…we all do as parents and spouses. I am disciplinarian, mentor, chef, nose wiper, house cleaner, chauffeur, teacher, concession stand worker, lunch packer, errand runner, cheer leader, household manager, budget keeper, and on and on…some days it seems like the list could go on forever!
Some of these roles make me feel respected and noticed; some things just need to get done. The most important role I play is a role that nobody sees, and that’s appropriate. It’s the role that brings me the least glory, and brings God the greatest glory! It’s prayer!
Over the years, I have come to love this role maybe above any others. I have seen God do amazing things in our family life in response to prayer.
During my scheduled Bible reading this week, I came across Exodus 14, a chapter that a year and a half ago, the Lord gave me to pray as we were seeking him about our future. In the margin of my Bible, I had listed 6 very specific issues that I knew God was promising to take care of for us. Here I sit, celebrating the past year where I have watched God fulfill every promise He made to us.
This is my real and unseen life as a mom and wife…
I notice (the Holy Spirit shows me) something that is off or an upcoming need or battle in the life of our family, OR it comes at us out of nowhere (I prefer the first option).
I seek God and His Word.
The Lord leads me to a scripture that jumps off the page at me (the key here is consistently reading the Word), and I know its His promise and comfort for a specific circumstance.
I do the “un-fun” work of getting up early every morning, before the kids, and spending time praying and believing God’s promises. I say, “Yes Lord, I believe You and I trust You for all these things.” I say this to Him before I face my day. I’m talking 10-15 minutes here.
I continue to say this to God throughout the day, no matter what the circumstances may look like.
The fun begins! God ALWAYS comes through!
So at first, I definitely had to force myself to get up and pray, especially early. But as time has gone on, I am hooked! I have seen God’s power displayed for us in so many situations, I can’t wait to pray through the next circumstance! I can’t wait to see what God will do!
After God parted the Red Sea, saved the Israelites, and destroyed the Egyptians, Exodus 14:31 says, “When the people of Israel saw the mighty power that the Lord had displayed against the Egyptians, they feared the Lord and put their faith in him and his servant Moses.”
This is how it works! We see God’s power in action, and it builds our faith. The next time trouble comes around, its easier to trust, fear, and follow Him. In The Circle Maker, Mark Batterson says, “We don’t have to be afraid of the enemy attacks. They are counterproductive when we counteract them with prayer. The more opposition we experience, the harder we have to pray, and the harder we have to pray, the more miracles God does.”
So let me make sure I’m clear. The way God leads us in prayer is different from person to person. This isn’t the right or the only way to pray, this is just the way that God leads me. And I am not saying that this is some magic formula or that God will always say “yes” to me. But when I’m praying His Word, I’m praying His will! And that gives me confidence in prayer.
Growing up, one of the clearest memories I have is of my mom, first thing in the morning, sitting on the couch with her coffee, her Bible, and her prayer journal. I sure hope my kids have those same memories. I know I make lots of mistakes as a parent and a wife. But there’s another thing I know, God is big enough to handle my mistakes.
About the Author
Emily McLeod is a wife, mom of four (Olivia 8, Wesley 6, Boyce 3, and Elizabeth 1), and a teacher (currently a stay at home mom/tutor). She is married to Matt McLeod and lives in Kingwood, Texas, where Matt serves as the Athletic Director and varsity basketball coach at The Covenant Preparatory School. She has taught everything from kindergarten (our own home-schooled kids) to upper level math, science, English, and social studies (other peoples’ homeschooled kids as well as in the public and private school setting). She has led young adult groups, a moms group, Bible studies, and is excited to share her testimony with you!
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