Messages of Hope
Real stories. Real hope.
Listen to the episode
Have you ever struggled to think of yourself as a ‘good’ parent?
Are you sometimes overwhelmed by the expectations and demands that come with raising children?
For Ben Schubert, the journey into fatherhood has been wildly unpredictable. From the panic and anxiety of navigating life-threatening medical conditions with his newborn son, to the demands of keeping up as his young family grows, Ben’s path to becoming a parent has been a constant challenge. But at every twist and turn, God has met Ben in his fears and frustrations — often turning unfathomable uncertainty into overwhelming hope.
Key takeaways from this episode
- Nobody is truly prepared for the challenges of parenthood — The journey of every parent is unique, and is often incredibly demanding.
- There is no ‘perfect plan’ or ‘roadmap’ for becoming a parent — Parenthood is unpredictable, and when challenges arise, they often do so without a great deal of warning, or without time to prepare. One of the biggest demands on people as they navigate parenthood is the need to adapt or respond to change.
- Community, friends and family can be incredibly important in providing support and care, especially for new parents — It’s often said that it takes a village to raise a child, but the same ‘village’ can be equally important for parents. Support, experience, advice and care from others can make an incredible difference during stressful, anxious or difficult times on the parenting journey.
- You are, can be, and will be enough for your children — While becoming a parent and raising children can be daunting, overwhelming and challenging at times, we have an incredible ability to rise and adapt to meet the needs of our children as the grow and change.
- God is with you, and God is working through you, as you navigate each twist and turn on your parenting journey — God (our ‘Heavenly Father’) understands both the joy and heartache that comes with raising children. He assures us that no matter how difficult the journey becomes, He is always with us.
- God is faithful. His love for us, and for our children, provides security amid uncertainty — When we feel inadequate, overwhelmed or under-equipped for the challenges we experience as our children grow, we can turn to God through prayer, and be confident that He will listen and act. God equips us, empowers us and encourages us in ways we don’t always realise or understand.
Episode transcript
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Related booklet
Are you wondering if there is any fun in being a parent? In this booklet, Julie – a parenting trainer and mentor – empathises as a non-perfect parent herself and offers her insights and encouragement to inspire you as a parent.
