Parenting in His Peace: What God Taught Me About Raising Children Who Belong to Him

As a mother to seven, I know all too well about the struggle of trying to get your kids to listen and to do what you want them to do. For years I tried to parent my way, raising my voice, threatening, punishing, and hoping my children would fall in line simply because I said so. But none of it worked. My husband and I bounced between exhaustion, frustration, and survival, often feeling like we were fighting one battle after the next. Some days we tag-teamed; other times we ignored everything just to recover from the last battle. We swung between no control and trying to enforce total control, neither of which brought peace to anyone.

It wasn’t until I came across the book “The Power of a Praying Parent” that I finally invited God into our parenting situation, that things started to change. In His gentle way, the Lord began showing me the truth. I learned three things that changed our way of parenting and our home;

1. My children are image bearers of the living God.

2. God is sovereign over my family and my limitations.

3. My relationship with God matters more than my parenting style.

As I surrendered to Him, peace entered places that had once been filled with constant tension.

Fellow Image Bearers

Our children belong to God. Psalm 127:3 tells us that “Children are a heritage from the Lord…”

Much like our money, talents, and time, our children are gifts from God, entrusted to us for His purposes. We are called to be stewards of the precious lives God has placed in our care. And once you shift your mindset from “They are mine to control” to “They are God’s, and I am here to shepherd them,” everything begins to change.

It took me a while for this truth to really sink in. Pride made it hard to surrender. But when I finally accepted that they were God’s children and fellow image bearers designed for His glory, I found a peace I had never known.

They are not mine to possess or control; they are mine to steward and disciple. My job was to teach them about God and model His love. Scripture tells us clearly what love looks like:

“4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.

5 It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.”

—1 Corinthians 13:4 –7

My parenting was missing that kind of love. I’m not talking about permissiveness; I’m talking about a parenting style rooted in the same love, correction, grace, forgiveness, and redemption that our Heavenly Father consistently shows us (Psalm 103:8–14).

God Is Sovereign

It’s easy to look at the world and feel fear for our children. But God’s Word tells us clearly that He is sovereign over every generation, every season, every detail.

“I am God, and there is no other…

My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please.”

—Isaiah 46:9–10

Nothing surprises Him, not our mistakes, not our weaknesses, not the challenges our children face. He knew all of this when He placed these specific children into our specific homes. My only job was, and still is, to seek Him first (Matthew 6:33). Everything else flows from that place of trust.

Put Your Trust in God

There is no formula that guarantees perfect children.

We are imperfect people raising imperfect people; Scripture reminds us that “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). That includes us as mothers. This is exactly why we need God in every part of our parenting. We cannot rely on our strength, our wisdom. We must rely on His.

Trusting God is not a one-time decision—it is a daily surrender.

It looks like choosing prayer over panic, worship over worry, and Scripture over stress. As we allow God’s love to fill our hearts, fear loses its power. As we praise and thank Him, anxiety gives way to confidence. And the more time we spend in His presence, the more room His peace has to grow within us.

3 Ways to Parent in God’s Peace

1. Model a Surrendered Life

As you grow closer to God, your home will feel it. Children learn more from our examples than our rules. Let them see you pray, repent, worship, and seek God. Let them witness the fruit of the Spirit growing in you (Galatians 5:22–23).

The more time you spend with God, the more natural righteous living becomes. You don’t have to be perfect—just surrendered.

2. Stay Connected to the Body of Christ

We were never meant to parent alone. Hebrews 10:24–25 reminds us that we need each other. But the enemy loves using shame and comparison to isolate us. Find a community of godly parents.

• Share struggles

• Ask for prayer

• Offer encouragement

Most parents are fighting battles you can’t see and they need your voice as much as you need theirs. Community strengthens us, sharpens us, and reminds us we’re not alone.

3. Seek God First Each Day

Ask Him for wisdom (James 1:5). Ask Him for love, patience, gentleness, and discernment.

Ask Him to work in the hearts of your children, and in yours. When we seek Him first, He faithfully equips us with everything else we need. Invite Him into every moment. A surrendered mom is a powerful force in the kingdom.

Be Encouraged

You are not parenting alone. Your children have a perfect Father in heaven, and He invites you to partner with Him—not perform for Him.

Surrender your home to God.

Walk with Him daily.

Love your children with the love He has shown you.

And watch the peace of Christ transform the atmosphere of your home.

Closing Prayer

Father, thank You for entrusting me with the precious lives of my children. Teach me to see them as You see them, beloved, purposeful, and created in Your image. Help me release control and walk in surrender. Fill my home with Your peace, Your wisdom, and Your love. Make me a mother who reflects Your heart. In Jesus’ name, Amen.