One Way Traffic

Words.

Words, words, words. 

So much is being said today about our words.  So much more needs to be said but, it's sometimes feels as if none of it is really sinking in, at least for me.

I was praying and thinking about this the other day when I had a visual.  It helped me and I hope it helps you.

I saw a small child standing in the middle of a road.  One end of the road was a tank.  Menacing, evil, loaded with evil. Poverty, addiction, laziness, foolishness, rebellion, to name a few of the "weapons" that were in it. 

At the opposite end was a lovely RV.  Spacious, luxurious loaded with good things, education, prosperity, healing, positive relationships, obedience, to name a few "blessings".

It was slightly puzzled then Holy Spirit explained.  It's a one way street.  both ends lead to your child.  Your words propel EACH vehicle. 

If you speak destruction, destruction will come.  If you speak Blessings, blessings will come. *

Your words are in control.**

We can not control our children, or anybody.  We can not make them do what we want, even good things.  That's called witchcraft.  We can speak words of life and death and cause situations to happen.  We can speak the Word, sending the angels of God to help and protect.  We can speak words of death giving satan the authority to attack. 

I realize, I am not the only ones whose words affect them but, as their parent, my words are very strong in the Spirit.   Far more than a friend or even boss.  

Despite current societal mindset, parental authority doesn't end at 18.  In many ways it doesn't "end" at all.  Scripture consistently instructs (all of) us to honor our parents.   Hebrews 13:17 even states to "Obey them that have rule over you ...".  Obey is translated from the Greek word, Peitho.  Peitho means to assent, rely on, agree, assure, believe, have confidence, obey, trust, yield, comply with.  Rule is translated from the Greek word, Hegeomai.  Hegeomai means to lead, command, have official authority, have the rule over, figuratively to govern from a presumed strengthened leader.  When God gives you a child he doesn't just give you someone to love or even care for.  He gives you a spirit man in that baby and expects you to assert authority over the enemy where they are concerned, until you die.  You are absolutely one of their spiritual authorities, until you die. 

Now, let me qualify that statement.  I am speaking purely in a spiritual sense.  It may be God views it as a physical reality too but, I hesitate to state that and knowing how God values free will, probably not.  Most "children" would lead far easier lives and find much less pain in the journey if they listened to their parents more about their life choices, but I can't find scripture that tells them to unequivocally or it will be considered sin.  Even the above scripture, Hebrews 13:17 more accurately states, assent, rely on, have confidence in, believe ... those who lead, have official authority, govern from a presumed strengthen leader.  Not exactly as "Do what I tell you!" translation.



My point is ... parents have real authority over their children, in the Spirit realm.  Our prayers matter more than most, over them.  We need to visualize and assert our authority.  Pray with authority! Demand satan and his crew "Back off!"  with authority.  Instead of resigning ourselves to their poor life choices, double our efforts "on our knees". 

It's been hard for a "purist" like me to speak something contrary to my "truth" or what I see.  If my child is living in addiction how do I say, "They're doing fine." ?  I don't and struggle to find a correct answer.  btw ... My current favorite answer is, "She/He is striving to be all God has created them to be."

Not saying negative things, though, is only half the battle.  As this illustration showed me.  It is also about speaking the right things.  I have kept the "tank parked".  Great!  Now, it's time to get the "RV rolling"! 

Here are the ways Holy Spirit has instructed me to go.

1.  Write out a prayer/declaration personal to each one and their struggles.   Detail scriptures and speak it over them regularly.  Ideally it would be good to say every day but, if only once a week ... start there.  Continue to repeat phrases from it, as you feel lead, during the day or when satan tries to attack your though life.  See #2.

2.  Each and every time I have a thought contrary to the Word or will of God for their life counter it with WORDS.  Especially the Word of God.   I love my solitude. Maybe it's because I was raising five children for over 30 years. lol  satan loves to intrude in my solitude.  Gardening enjoying my thoughts he sneaks his ugly accusations/thoughts in.  "They were so rude yesterday on the phone.;  She needs to be more thoughtful.;  They are always so rebellious."  etc ... etc ... ad nauseam.  Too many times I either agreed with those words, thinking they were mine, or expounded on it.  That is very dangerous.  Even ignoring it is dangerous.  If satan can construe your lack of resistance as agreement, he has a new weapon.  But, its also dangerous because it is allowing satan's plan to go unchallenged.  Challenge it!  Declare it a lie!  Declare the truth.  Usually, I just speak the opposite.  It can be tiresome.  Agreed.  Not nearly as hard as watching a child walk away from God.  Ask Holy Spirit to remind you when you need to counter satan.***  He is always with you and has been sent to lead and guide you in ALL truth.****  Also, satan is a coward.  He won't keep it up forever.  When he knows you'll "beat him back" with your words, and the Word of God.  He'll (try to) find something new to use against you and them.  satan understand your authority in the spirit realm and will try to use your words against your child.  Many of us have (ignorantly) been satan's main tool to destroy them.  That's a hard one, I know.  Don't get bogged down there, it will overwhelm you.  Now that you know better, do better.  Forgive yourself and move on.

3.  Little things.  Instead of my children's names I have words of declaration for their phone numbers on my phone.  When they call my phone declares "Courageous, Kind Fearless Man of God for one of my children, etc.  You could make your password the scripture reference for a special verse the Lord gave you about your children and every time you enter it thank the Lord for making it come to pass in their life.  Send them daily text or email's with word of affirmation and love.  Make a special facebook page for your children or family.  Post special scriptures, family photos etc to keep them engaged and (hopefully) more involved in each other's lives. 

4. Take advantage, if you're still "in the thick of it".  If your children are still at home they should be hearing, from you, on a regular basis.  "God has great plans for your life.  You are smart.  You are talented.  You are a great kid/person.  I am so proud of you."   Life can be so demanding and overwhelming.  We often just forget to say these things, even though they are always on our hearts.  They have to HEAR it.  Create a prayer, you say at least once a week, hitting these points, at least.

This may sound like a lot of work.  It really isn't.  It is certainly less work than dealing with a child in financial ruin, divorce or prison etc.

Instead of seeing this as a frustrating endeavor try to realize ... you have the POWER to completely influence your child's life for God's will and their good.  You are NOT POWERLESS.  Enjoy the authority God has given you.  Declare and decree your children will only go ONE WAY, God's way. 

* Proverbs 18:21; Matthew 12:36
** Matthew 12:37; John 6:63; 1 Peter 3:10
*** Psalm 141:3; Isaiah 30:21
**** John 14:14; John 15:26