Discerning with Scripture: Praying with Scripture During Times of Transition with MCCW logo and tagline; image of hands folded in prayer over a bible, with a heart-shaped mug above, clock to the left, and pad of paper to the right
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Discerning with Scripture: Praying with Scripture During Times of Transition

My daughter is a high school senior who is navigating college applications anticipating the freedoms of college life and leaving the nest. While sharing in her enthusiasm, I recall how my mom-heart broke in August 2020, when I moved my oldest son from our home at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, to college, in Virginia. I wrote about that experience for MCCW, experiencing “college mom grief,” which was a call to love my young adult son differently. 

As I look toward my daughter’s departure from the nest, I’m beginning to feel tingles of mom grief. At the same time, I’m trying to do a better job discerning how God is pointing me toward a different kind of relationship with my daughter. I’m listening to God by praying with scripture during this transition, and little by little, I think I can perceive ways in which God is preparing me to support my daughter.

I’m sharing with you today three scripture passages that have brought me hope and confidence in this transition and encourage you to turn to scripture as a place of discernment and conversation with God during transitions in your life.

Giving Thanks for Motherhood with Sarah – Genesis 21:2,6

I’m giving thanks for the gift of motherhood and praying with Sarah who thought she was barren. When the Lord told Abraham that Sarah would have a son, she laughed. We laugh when we’re surprised, incredulous, amused, and happy.

Scripture: Genesis 21:2,6

Sarah became pregnant and bore Abraham a son in his old age, at the set time that God had stated. Sarah then said, “God has given me cause to laugh, and all who hear of it will laugh with me.

Meditation: Recall a time when a child has brought laughter to your life. 

God Loves my Child Even More than I do – Jeremiah 1:4-8

Do you ever try to control situations when you’re afraid or anxious? Me, too. In looking at colleges, I encouraged my daughter to explore schools that interested her. At the same time, I did research and made suggestions. I want my daughter to go to the right school for her, but I also want to feel comfortable with her choice. Is that fair? Controlling? Anxious? I’m not sure, but it’s honest. 

Praying the Lord’s words to the Prophet Jeremiah propels me to trust that the God who formed Jeremiah, consecrated him, appointed him as a prophet, equipped him to speak to the nations, and was a constant presence for Jeremiah, similarly forms, appoints, equips, and accompanies my children for their vocation. 

Scripture: Jeremiah 1:4-8

The word of the Lord came to me:  Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I dedicated you, a prophet to the nations I appointed you. “Ah, Lord God!” I said, “I do not know how to speak. I am too young!” But the Lord answered me, Do not say, “I am too young.” To whomever I send you, you shall go; whatever I command you, you shall speak. Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you to deliver you—oracle of the Lord.

Meditation: As your children leave the nest, know that God created them exactly for their next step in life. God forms, consecrates, equips, and accompanies our children. 

Expect Goodness, Singing with Praise like Miriam – Exodus 15:19-21

My oldest son is now a junior in college, and I can see how God has moved me beyond fear and the urge to smother-mother. I appreciate how God has brought forth maturity and independence in my son. 

Praying with Miriam instills in me hopefulness as my daughter leaves the nest. You’ll recall that the Israelites baked unleavened bread before they crossed the sea because they were in such a hurry that they did not have time to let the bread rise (see Ex 12:42). Yet, Miriam had time to pack a tambourine for her PCS! Upon crossing the sea, she took out her timbrel (tambourine) and began to dance and sing a song of praise which is the first song of praise by a woman to be recorded in scripture. Miriam anticipated good things.  

Scripture: Exodus 15:19-21

When Pharaoh’s horses, chariots and horsemen went into the sea… Then Miriam, the prophetess, Aaron’s sister, took a timbrel in her hand; and all the women went out after her with timbrels dancing. Miriam sang to them: “Sing to the Lord, for he is highly exalted; Both horse and his rider he has hurled into the sea.”

Meditation: Where do you anticipate God’s favor? “Sing to the Lord, for he has triumphed gloriously.”

 

In Christ,

Elizabeth

MCCW-Worldwide Member

Read more about Elizabeth Tomlin at her website:  Joyful Momentum

 

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