Do You Feel Equipped to Be a Successful Single Parent?
Your ears will hear a word behind you, saying, “This is the way, walk in it,” whenever you turn to the right or to the left.
Isaiah 30:21
As a single parent, you are in a strategic position to lead your family unit. Whether you are a single mom or a single dad, when your children are in your care and in your home, you are the leader.
It, at times, can seem daunting to be in charge of all the physical needs as well as emotional needs of your family. You are doing the job of two people.
Nevertheless, God will provide you with all you need to do the job and be a successful single parent. You may have not chosen this path, but God will give direction to you as He did to Joshua as Joshua took over leading the people of Israel to the promised land. Read Joshua 1:1-9.
Strength, Courage! You Can Be a Successful Single Parent! Stand on These Truths
Truth #1: God Is With You
God tells Joshua to cross the Jordan River which was no small feat. It was springtime and the Jordan was a raging river at flood stage. You can do an online search for a video clip to truly understand what Joshua faced.
Do you wonder what Joshua was thinking or what he was praying as he was standing on the banks of the river? Was he shaking in his sandals?! I think he could have been since God tells him not to tremble.
Joshua knew he could not do this on his own strength or ability. Neither can we. Let God speak these words to your heart as he did to Joshua.
God comforts Joshua with the words,
I am with you. I will not fail or forsake you.
God gives all believers the same promise in the New Testament as well. Matthew 28:20 ends with,
I am with you always, even to the end of the age.
You may feel alone. You may be doing the job of two people, but if you are a follower of Jesus, you are never truly alone.
Paint a visual picture for yourself of how Jesus being with you looks for you.
Truth #2: God Desires to Encourage You
God encourages Joshua not just once, but three times!
Be strong and courageous,
Be strong and very courageous,
and finally,
Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed for the Lord Your God is with you wherever you go.
How Are We Strong?
First, let’s ponder the word “strong”. What kind of strength was God talking about? It is the strength we receive from the Holy Spirit in our inner man.
Zechariah 4:6 reads,
Then he said to me, “This is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel saying, ‘Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,’ says the Lord of hosts.”
You can rely on God’s strength as Joshua did standing before the roaring waters. Read Psalm 46:1-3 (NASB)
God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble.
Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change
And though the mountains slip into the heart of the sea;
Though its waters roar and foam,
Though the mountains quake at its swelling pride.
What Kind of Courage?
Secondly, let’s dissect the word “courage”. The dictionary definition of “courage” says,
The state or quality of mind or spirit that enables one to face danger, fear, or vicissitudes with self-possession, confidence, and resolution.
Why can you face fear with confidence? Because God is with you. He will equip you to lead well.
By the way, vicissitudes means the ups and downs of life or a change of circumstances. (new word for me!)
Are you facing a change of circumstances where you need to trust God?
Reflection
- As you stand on the banks of life, do the waters rage?
- Where do you need God’s strength?
- What circumstances do you need the courage to face? Tell Him and let Him speak encouragement to your heart.
Join me for seven more Equipped to Lead for the Single Parent lessons from the book of Joshua. Let God equip you.
To learn more about the beginning of my single parent journey, click here to read the introduction to Take God’s Hand.
Sweet, but Healthy Nourishment for Your Body!
Today I am sharing a recipe from The Allergy Free Family. It is a two for one -just like Strength and Courage. This is an awesome recipe because, not only is it healthy, at the same time as prepping the brownies, you make the frosting. Do not forget to set aside ½ cup of the chocolate sauce!
2 thoughts on “How to Be Successful Single Parent: Equipped to Lead for the Single Parent: Part 1”
While I’ve never been a single parent, I still find comfort from your words in the state I am—the “letting children fly” stage. There lies grief, there lies fear—and yet there stands God! Thank you for the reminder.
You are absolutely right! There are so many life circumstances or change of life circumstances where we can take comfort from God’s Word to Joshua.