I am new to this site even though I signed up a year ago, I didn't really even take part until the first of this year. I have been very impressed with the people on this site,a nd how many believers there are. I am a private person, but thought I would ask for prayer for my son. He just turned 17. He has always been a good kid, but he is friends with a poor role model, and my wife and I fear he is making some poor choices. We keep a close eye on him, and his grades are still good, but without boring you, we are scared for where he might be heading. Of course, he doesn't want to listen to me. He thinks the other kid is great. He ahs no rules, thinks school is stupid, and tells my son college is foolish. Sorry, I'm rambling, but I would appreciate any prayers. Thank you.
I think you just described about every 17 year old boy I know including me at that age. I can tell you that he will over come this with time. I bet you and your wife have a lot of time invested in teaching him what is right and wrong. He will look outside but will come back to where he knows he needs to be. Just keep him in your prayers and don't let up with your giudance. I will pray for ya'll and know just how you feel. My son went thru that same thing about that age. He is now 30 years and has two little girls and a wonderful wife. He is a good christian daddy and husband as well. He wanted to push his boundrys some and see what would happen. He found out that there was no give in them or me. I pray you the strenght to stay the course and hold to your teachings. He will thank you someday for being there to keep him on track. Lord strenght my brother and his family as they are being attacked by the evil one. Keep my brother strong and in you will as he looks for the way to see his son thru this time. We would ask that they would be a strong wittness to the young fellow who is working so hard to distract his son. That he would see Jesus thru them and surrender his life to you. Surround my brother's home and family with your angles for protection. We can do all things thru you because your word tell us so. Phil 1:6. Thank you so much for being there for us to call out to. Jesus we love you and worship you this morning. Amen. God bless you and your family this day.
Praying for your family and son's friend that you will be a positive influence in his life.
Rookie might be onto something. Instead of watchdog'n him so tightly, (keep doing it but a bit more on the QT) perhaps it would help to 'affirm' him by tellin him how much you trust him and know that he's been given good insights and has good values and when tempted, you trust that in the end, he and the Holy Spirit will let him know what is right!
Might just work...nothing like taking the wind out of the 17 yr old sails of rebellion but assuring them you know they know right from wrong and will make good choices... :)
Prayers for the Holy Spirit to move deeply in your son and while tempted, that he will step back and "stop, look, listen" and avoid a train wreck.
Keep the Son in your eyes
I feel your troubles brother. Rookie is right. You just described just about every kid that age including me. You came to the right place. There is power in prayer. My son skipped off on the wrong track at about that age and is paying the price for it. I came to this site and asked for prayer and am seeing results for the good. His life is starting to go for the better. Any how, prayers are sent. Be strong. Have faith. Satan trembles when the weakest christian prays.
Thank you all for your prayers and thoughts. It helped me to read the posts, I appreciate it.
I will be praying for your son....that he would be a good example to his friend. God may have placed this friend in your families life for a reason. He can use us if we make ourselves available to His leading. I'll also pray that you have an opportunity to witness to this other young man who may be open to God's grace and love.
Tom , I know how you feel ,
I have five kids,
15, 14, 13, 12, & 7 .
prayers sent that God will protect and guide your son.
I have prayed for your situation. I have 3 much younger children and realize the time will come when they will be tempted to stray from the path we hope they will follow. So for now my wife and I try to set the example and give them the tools to handle these trials, the most important being to rely on their heavenly father to guide them.
Amen and praying
Prayers and a couple of comments.
With my son, I am able to say "did you think that one thru"? Or "take a minute Son and think that one thru"? Those two tips have helped me with my son's activities. That way I am not telling him waht to do or lecturing.
Sometimes, after he did something he shouldn't, I ask him "How did that work out for you"?
By putting the responsibility on him to think thru his actions he seems to straighten up.
Lastly, I tell him two more things.
"You are your friends". In other words, whatever your friends are doing, you will be seen in the same light by girls, your parents, other parents, and the POLICE!!!! Everyone goes to jail!
Also, I say that, today is not like yesterday. You know, 30 years ago, we could get away with just about any hijink. "Boys will be boys", kind of thing. Today, they will put your kid or my kid in Juvy or actual JAIL for half of what we got slapped on the wrist for.
My prayers are with you.
Matt
Prayers send ...My wife and I have a 16 1/2yr old son and a 19 yr old college student. We lift them up to the lord everyday and ask for help as parents. God Bless