God’s Answers to a Parent Who Feels Hopeless

YOU SAY – “It’s impossible”

A teen in crisis is beyond overwhelming. You don’t even know where to start in getting help or if they can even be healed of their crisis. I can tell you that this is not true. In God’s eyes, He knows differently. He will be your Anchor in the midst of your storm. He has an answer.

GOD SAYS – All things are possible
Luke 18:27 Jesus replied, “What is impossible with man is possible with God.”

YOU SAY – “I’m too tired”

Taking care of a teen in crisis is tiring and exhausting. How can you help your teen when there is no energy or power to even get through the day? God knows.

GOD SAYS – I will give you rest
Matthew 11:28-30 “Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. “Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and YOU WILL FIND REST FOR YOUR SOULS. “For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”

YOU SAY – “I can’t go on”

There are times for you, the struggling parent, in which you just want to give up. You have nothing left to give your teen in crisis. You are out of faith and your hope is dwindling. You have lost all of your strength to keep going. God understands.

GOD SAYS – My grace is sufficient
2 Corinthians 12:9 But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.

YOU SAY – “I can’t figure things out”

You have tried every avenue, road, and path to find ways to help your teen. Everything always comes to a dead halt with nowhere else to turn. God wants to do it for you.

GOD SAYS – I will direct your steps
Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the LORD with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.

YOU SAY – “I can’t do it”

You think you are too weak to help your child. Maybe you’re afraid to take your teen to the rehab or counseling center. Have you been holding off from doing the very thing that you need to do to help your teen heal? God will help you.

GOD SAYS – You can do all things
Philippians 4:13 I can do all this through him who gives me strength.

YOU SAY – “I can’t forgive myself”

Have you felt like a failure because you faltered on your responsibility or accountability as a parent for your teen? Did your actions of disobedience cause you to feel that you were not worthy to be forgiven? God loves you.

GOD SAYS – I forgive you
I John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.

YOU SAY – “I can’t manage”

All families in crisis try to oversee their own teen’s problems without support when their child’s needs are at the highest. Stop trying to do it all alone. God wants to do it.

GOD SAYS – I will supply all your needs
Philippians 4:19 And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.

YOU SAY – I’m afraid”

Are you afraid of the actions you must take to rescue your teen from danger or bigger problems? Are you worried that your teen won’t love you anymore if you stand your ground? God is there for you.

GOD SAYS – I have not given you a spirit of fear
2 Timothy 1:7 For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.

YOU SAY – “I’m always worried and frustrated”

When your teen is in crisis, it can cause worry and frustration in you to the point that it can make you physically sick. That is not God’s plan for you. God will carry your burden.

GOD SAYS – Cast all your cares on ME
I Peter 5:7 Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.

YOU SAY – I’m not sure I know how”

Parents with teens in crisis often feel helpless, clueless, unsure and intimidated by what they are confronted with. So many feel lost as to what they need to do. God gives direction.

GOD SAYS – I give you wisdom
I Corinthians 1:30 It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God–that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption.

YOU SAY – “I feel all alone”

Carrying the burden as a parent with a teen is crisis is overwhelming with everything on your shoulders. You are too afraid to share with anyone what is truly going on in your family. So you stay silent, feeling alone. God never left you.

GOD SAYS – I will never leave you or forsake you
Deuteronomy 31:6 Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”

This post was partially written by someone who shared it through an email.  There was no name attached (what was originally called “a handy little chart”).  Therefore, the author is “unknown”.  I have taken the liberty to add to this chart so that it can be applied to the parent with a teen in crisis.  Thank you to the person who originally wrote the You Say and God Says quotes with scripture. It has been a valuable resource for those who are hurting. 

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