When You Need to Let Go
When You Need to Let Go was written for all the mamas on the sideline watching their children grow and learning to let go.
This new season of watching my little boy (he will always be my little boy) grow into an independent adult has been hard on this mama’s heart. We’ve gone from assisting in every decision to stepping back and letting him make them.
Some days I’ve cried at the decisions, wanting to control the situation, while other times I’ve wrung my hands in worry. But one thing I can assure you, this season has brought immense growth. Growth in my faith and in his.
Related Post: 5 Scriptures for When You’re in a Transitioning Season
Let’s Think About It
I finally understand Mary and the pondering that she did. As mamas, we have to do some pondering in our hearts. Jesus’ mom did after she had spoken with the shepherds and heard their story of the angel greeting them.
Can you imagine how Mary felt?
She was told so many incredible things in such a short amount of time, being greeted by angels and hearing and seeing the miracles throughout Jesus’ life. Mary was told how special Jesus was.
Can you imagine how she felt knowing these things? How would you feel as a mama?
You were told you were going to carry the Lord’s baby. There were no gender reveals or bump pictures on her feed. Instead, she sought solace with her older cousin, Elizabeth.
Elizabeth greeted her and the Lord as she received them. What joy she must have felt once she got past the scary parts and the potential stoning, depending on how Joseph took the news.
Yet Mary found peace. She trusted the Lord; she took His words to heart and trusted Him to take care of the details.
When It’s Time to Let Go
Later on, Mary did the same thing with Jesus during the first miracle He ever performed – turning water into wine. Mary didn’t worry about the details but trusted Jesus to handle it. She told the servants to listen to Jesus and do whatever he told them to (John 2:5).
The last recorded words of Mary were her telling others to do whatever Jesus said. The servants obeyed, but today I’m thinking Mary was talking to all of us. Whatever Jesus tells us we should do, don’t sit there and question it, but just do it.
Jesus performed a miracle that day, He turned water into wine. Your child may not be turning water into wine, but let’s hope they are loving others like Jesus called us to.
Mary was sidelined, too, watching as Jesus grew up, watching Him during His ministry. Though His time on earth was short, He reigns in heaven.
As Christians, we have the hope of knowing we will see Jesus face to face one day, which brings me joy. But while I’m here on earth, I want to live like Jesus, being obedient to His will, and loving others the way He calls us to.
5 Scriptures to Pray Over Your Children When You Need to Let Go
While I’m in this transition season, I’ve found that praying these five prayers for my son has brought me comfort.
1.) A Prayer for Strength
“This is my command–be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
Joshua 1:9 NLT
Lord, help (name of child) to be strong and courageous. May they remember you are always with them.
2.) Remind Them Where Their Strength Comes From
“Each time he said, ‘My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.’ So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me. That’s why I take pleasure in my weaknesses, and in the insults, hardships, persecutions, and troubles that I suffer for Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong.”
2 Corinthians 12:9-10 NLT
Lord, may (name of child) rely on You and Your strength, not their own.
Related Post: What I Hope They Know Before They Go
3.) A Prayer for Growth
“I have not stopped thanking God for you. I pray for you constantly,asking God, the glorious Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, to give you spiritual wisdom and insight so that you might grow in your knowledge of God. I pray that your hearts will be flooded with light so that you can understand the confident hope he has given to those he called—his holy people who are his rich and glorious inheritance. I also pray that you will understand the incredible greatness of God’s power for us who believe him.”
Ephesians 1:16-19a NLT
Lord, may (name of child) grow in their faith, trusting You. May they find others who encourage them in their faith and knowledge of you, Lord.
4.) A Prayer for Trust
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.”
Proverbs 3:5-6 NLT
Lord may (name of child) trust you with all their heart, depending fully on You. May they always seek Your will for their lives, reassuring them that Your path is always the right one.
5.) A Prayer for Protection
“And don’t let us yield to temptation, but rescue us from the evil one.”
Matthew 6:13 NLT
Lord, I pray a solid hedge of protection around my child; may no temptation of any kind be able to penetrate through. May You deliver them from the evil one.
Related Post: 5 Prayers for Our Graduates
Thoughts From a Mama Who Needs to Let Go
My role has changed from coach to just the cheering squad. I’m no longer the one giving the instructions but sitting there praying for him to listen to the Lord and seek Him while my son is navigating this new season, too. I’m always there when he needs me, but letting go and allowing him to decide is part of growing up, maturing.
I pray he will always seek the Lord and His wisdom as he goes throughout life. If you are in this new season with me, I pray for you, too, mama. It’s difficult, but I trust the Lord is handling this for us because He loves our children and us.
A Prayer for Mamas on the Sideline
Lord, I pray for the mama who is going through a transition with her child. I pray for peace for her heart and comfort for her as she trusts You in this new season. I pray for her children as they go out into the world. May you protect them and keep them safe. Thank You, Father, for blessing us with these children. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Related Post: Giving Advice & Offering Support -> What You Need To Know
Scripture Writing Plan & Pray Journal
Praying Scripture for the Next Generation
This 30-day prayer journal was designed to help you pray for the children in your life. My hope is this journal inspires you and guides you as you pray for the ones you love; whether that’s your kids, grandkids, or simply kids you care about. Whether they are in elementary school, teenagers, or heading off into the world. Pick up your copy of this resource and cover the next generation in prayer.
