"When I was a boy of 14," the American author and humorist Mark Twain (1835-1910) recalled, "my father was so ignorant I could hardly stand to have the old man around. But when I got to be 21, I was astonished at how much he had learned in seven years." His father would probably tell the story differently!

This seems to be a timeless truth: Raising teenagers could be the greatest challenge most parents ever face. Even with 12 years to get ready for it, few parents feel prepared. Some sink under the weight. Some abdicate. Some hold their breath and hope for the best. Some are too busy with other things to even notice what is happening to their children. But other parents see the need, redouble their commitment, search out solutions to their teens' problems, and guide them through those turbulent years.

Being a parent of teens isn't easy, but any parent can get all the help they need, one day and one problem at a time, if they know where to turn. God, who made us all, also set up the system by which we grow and mature--and He doesn't make mistakes. He knows what each of us need at each stage of our lives and equips us accordingly.

So if you're a parent and are finding it increasingly difficult to meet your growing children's needs, turn to the One who cannot fail. For every problem, He has a solution. For every question, He has the answer. For every seemingly insurmountable obstacle, He will make a way over, around, or through. For every sacrifice you will ever make for your children, He has a reward waiting. He loves you and your children, and He's always there for you.

Keith Phillips
For the Activated family