Raising Children of Destiny! (3) by Pastor Faith Oyedepo

Author: Pastor Faith Oyedepo

Topic: Raising Children of Destiny! (3)

Dear Reader,

It’s another great privilege to share few thoughts of God’s Word with you again today.  Last week, I taught on the vital key of training in raising our godly seeds to become what God pre-ordained them to be.

This week, I will teach on Understanding Teenagers!

What happens when a child becomes a teenager? The teenage years mark a transition in a young person’s life, when he/she changes from being a child to an adult. Physically, children are maturing earlier than they used to, and changes in technology and lifestyle appear to have sped up young people’s social development.

The teen years can be one of the most mesmerizing periods in life. As parents, it is exhilarating to see a man emerge out of the little boy you used to cuddle. As a teenager, it is fascinating to accept the responsibility of maturity. Though this only happens when both parties are well-informed.

Parents are usually puzzled by the occurrence of mood swings in their teenagers.  One minute they are excited, the next minute, they want to be alone. Certain activities that used to excite them before are now regarded as childish. This leaves many parents exclaiming: “who can cope with this!”

Note that knowledge and understanding are actually required, in order not to make the teen years frustrating for you as a parent. That’s why God’s Word says: Through wisdom is an house builded; and by understanding it is established (Proverbs 24:3).

Undoubtedly, understanding the transformation that takes place in the lives of your teenagers, will help you to proffer appropriate control and provide you with the patience needed to go through the period.

It is important to note also that maturity begins earlier in girls than in boys. Certain emotional changes occur in this period. In some cases, instead of fear, inferiority complex sets in – fear of being disliked, failure, fear of being laughed at, etc.

In such cases, your teenagers must be taught that body changes do not mean being inferior, abnormal or bad. They need to understand that everyone is unique and therefore, learn to accept their uniqueness.

It is very good for teenagers to be adequately counselled.  Most often, before the age of 20, there will be temptations to have sex; that is, they may be with someone of the opposite sex who will be ready to release his/her body to them for sex.  But before such temptation comes, it is of utmost importance as parents to enlighten your teenagers on sex education from a godly perspective; otherwise, someone else will, and that could be disastrous.

Like in the case a secondary school young girl, whose mother told that if a boy should just touch her body, she would get pregnant. So, one day after class, she and a boy were discussing some matter. Then, he touched her arm and she suddenly broke into profuse sobbing, to the amazement of all.

It was later discovered by friends and mates that she thought his touching her had made her pregnant, and she feared the reaction of her mother. They all laughed at her and after being told the truth on how babies are made, she was deeply disappointed that her own mother could not educate her properly.

In the long run, her trust in her mother failed, she ended up being taught by the wrong company and eventually, she indulged in the wrong acts. Your case will not be like that!

Emphasize purity to your children in thoughts, words and actions. That way, you will help them steer clear of evil thoughts.  Let their minds be pre-occupied with God’s Word, by being spiritually-minded (Romans 8:1-8). You will succeed in having a wonderful relationship with your teenagers. God is on your side!

Grace to perfectly understand your teenagers for better tutoring is the privilege of God’s children. To become a child of God, you have to confess your sins and accept Jesus as your Lord and personal Saviour.  If you are set for this, say this prayer of faith: Dear Lord Jesus Christ, I come to You today. I am a sinner. Forgive me of my sins and cleanse me with Your Blood. Deliver me from sin and satan to serve the living God. I accept You as my Lord and Saviour. Make me a child of God today. Thank You for accepting me into Your Kingdom.

If you prayed this simple prayer, you are now a child of God. He loves you and will never leave you. Read your Bible daily, obey God’s Word and seek Christian fellowship (John 14:21).

Congratulations! You are now born again! All-round rest and peace are guaranteed you, in Jesus’ Name. Call or write, and share your testimonies with me through contact@faithoyedepo.org; OR 07026385437 and 08141320204.

For more insight, these books authored by me are available at the Dominion Bookstores in all Living Faith Churches and other leading Christian bookstores: Marriage Covenant, Making Marriage Work, Building A Successful Home and Success in Marriage (Co-Authored).