The Best Parenting Tip Learned from Moses

When it comes to seeking the best parenting tip, Moses doesn’t usually come top of mind as a parenting role model in the Bible. Yes, he was a parent. However, most of us view Moses’ story through eyes focused on God’s miraculous works. God sent 10 plagues. God parted the Red Sea. God sent manna to feed the people in the wilderness. God led the Israelites with a pillar of cloud and a pillar of fire. God brought His children to the Promised Land. 

God’s miracles abound in the life of Moses! It’s no wonder the stories found in Exodus, Leviticus, Deuteronomy, and Numbers are told over and over again to the youngest of children to the oldest of adults. 

What Moses Can Teach Us About Parenting and Why It’s the Best Parenting Tip

After I became a parent, God expanded my perspective. I began to view Moses’ story through eyes focused on the very real flesh-and-bones person. Just as God hand-picked Moses to lead His children and to teach them His ways, He hand-picked me to parent the children He placed in my care. He did this with YOU, too. 

While leading the Israelites out of captivity, Moses faced unbelievable odds and obstacles. He doubted his abilities to do what God asked him to do. At times, he expressed overwhelm at the magnitude of the role and the constant and ever-evolving needs of God’s children in his care. Moses encountered people in his own family who questioned his leadership and the choices he made. And, then there were the times that Moses failed. He lost his temper. His trust in God wavered. He disobeyed God’s instructions. He wondered why God picked him for the job.  

As a parent, can you relate? At times, do you face unbelievable odds and obstacles? Do you doubt your abilities? Do you ever feel overwhelmed in your role? Do people question the choices you make for your child’s care? Does your trust in the Lord waver? Do you wonder why God picked you for the job?

In those moments, turn to God. It’s what Moses did. Each time Moses turned to God for help, for guidance, or for care the Lord faithfully responded. God doesn’t expect you to parent your child alone. He wants to go with you. He wants to lead the way and give your heart and mind rest.

Above all else, remember you aren’t alone.

God didn’t leave Moses to figure it out on his own and He won’t leave you either. It’s the greatest parenting tip around because it is rooted firmly in the character of God.

“Moses said to the Lord, ‘You have been telling me, ‘Lead these people,’ but you have not let me know whom you will send with me. You have said, ‘I know you by name and you have found favor with me.’ If you are pleased with me, teach me your ways so I may know you and continue to find favor with you. Remember that this nation is your people.’ The Lord replied, ‘My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.’” – Exodus 33:12-14

A Parenting Prayer

Lord, I need you to go before me. I ask You to keep teaching me your ways and showing me how to be the parent my child needs me to be. Don’t let me out of Your sight. Meet with me. Draw me close. Ground my roots deep in Your word, in Your guidance, your grace, your favor, your peace, your rest–All of You! You know the intimate details of the obstacles and challenges my family faces. I can not lead my child without You. Thank You for the promise of Your presence. Remind me that the best parenting tip can always be found by looking at You. Amen.

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As a writer and speaker, Lisa’s heart beats for encouraging women, supporting parents in their role as a child’s first and best teacher, and pointing people to Jesus. Lisa lives in north Atlanta, with her husband of 25+ years, Clay, and their two daughters, Emerson and Ellery.  To learn more, follow Lisa on Instagram, visit her website or order her devotional, Simplifying Rest.