Thursday, September 15, 2011

Confessing and Repenting

Below are Nicole's thoughts on Chapter 27 of The Power of a Praying Parent by Stormie Omartian.  Please know that what we all learn from a study is usually different.  Therefore, we ask that you share what you've learned in the comments section below this post.  We're sure you'll lift someone's spirits.

In Chapter 27, Walking In Repentance, Stormie shares with us how even our children need to confess, repent and change their ways.  I believe this chapter is a lot like our chapter on forgiveness in that we need to lead by example and let them see us doing this.

On page 179, Stormie writes "Children who admit their mistakes and are sorry enough about them to want to change their ways have an entirely different countenance than those who hide their sin and have no intention of being different."  She also shares with us how children who know how to confess and repent are more confident because they are not weighed down with worry because they sinned.

"I remember detecting sin on my children's faces before I ever discovered it in their actions.  They used to tell me how irritating it was that they could never get away with anything for long.  'That's because I asked God to reveal to me anything I need to know', I told them, 'and the Holy Spirit always tells me if you've done something wrong."  I would say this was the most important lesson I learned from this chapter.  Having a child with autism makes it that much harder for us to see when they need to repent.  Therefore, we need to spend a lot of time praying that God will not only show us when we need to teach them how to confess and repent, but that he will also show us how we can teach them this.  I don't believe there is just one way to teach this.  I believe it will be in the moment depending on each child.  Therefore, it is imperative that we cover them in prayer over this.

Our children with autism are already full of anxiety, stress, gut problems, sensory issues, communication issues and so much more.  The last thing they need to feel is guilt.  I pray that you will join me in covering all of our children with autism in prayer over confession, repentance and learning from their mistakes.

Lord,
We lift up all of our children to you.  We know that you have an incredible plan in our lives and we totally trust you with this plan.  We ask that you will show us when our children need to confess, what they need to confess and how they can repent.  You know how truly difficult it can be raising a child with autism.  We know that you are with us through this all.  Please show us when we need to confess and repent as well.
In your name we pray,
Amen

Bible Verses from Chapter 27
Beloved, if our heart does not condemn us, we have confidence toward God.  And whatever we ask we receive from Him, because we keep His commandments and do those things that are pleasing in His sight.  -1 John 3:21-22

Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts; let him return to the Lord, and He will mercy on him; and to our God, for He will abundantly pardon.  -Isaiah 55:7

"Therefore, I will judge you, O house of Israel, every one according to his ways," says the Lord God.  "Repent, and turn from all your transgressions, so that iniquity will not be your ruin."  -Ezekiel 18:30

He who covers his sins will not prosper, but whoever confesses and forsakes them will have mercy.  -Proverbs 28:13

Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord.  -Acts 3:19

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