Frustrated for Step-Daughter

[JeffAlan66]

Prayer and wisdom reinforcement needed for a step father. My teenage step daughter has been with me for 6 years now. I got her on track and she likes church and reads her Bible. This is a comtemporary Nazarene church, and she prefer to read NIV because she gets it. Happy to have her going this far. Her father goes to a different type of church that is more charasmatic. To each their own, and I encourage her to hear all perspectives and pray for God to guide her. I don't knock the Dad's church or interpretations, because I don't want her to become discouraged by conflict. No matter, he relentlessly drills into her that her church and Bible is lying to her. I feel strongly that God sees this and does not require me to engage. I constantly pray for him to intervene, as I am powerless to do more than Him. It just continues, and I am having trouble with patience. Anybody want to throw me a bone here?

[Mrs12bfishin]

That is a difficult situation and you are right, it might not be something you should step into. However, continue praying not only for her but for her father as well. Remember, God does everything in His perfect time. Trust in Him! I really wish I could be of more help.

[Wisdom's Child]

As a step-father myself I can feel your frustration.
I have not managed to turn my daughter around after 5 years.
If anything my being a minister has pushed her farther away from christianity. Her father died 12 years ago in a drug deal gone bad and she idolizes the memory of both him and the "thug life" promoted by current musical trends.
You cannot be heavy handed in these matters, and it seems that sometimes you just can't win. I know, I have "wicked step dad syndrome" in that I stress a moral lifestyle in an immoral world.
Take joy and praise God that your daughter is at least reading scripture and encourage her to seek God in whatever christian way she is led. Under the circumstances what harm could it cause by supporting her fathers beliefs? Trust me, being in conflict with him will just cause her harm in the long run. As she grows in maturity she will learn from The Holy Spirit the right path.

[Nadiine]

Prayer and wisdom reinforcement needed for a step father. My teenage step daughter has been with me for 6 years now. I got her on track and she likes church and reads her Bible. This is a comtemporary Nazarene church, and she prefer to read NIV because she gets it. Happy to have her going this far. Her father goes to a different type of church that is more charasmatic. To each their own, and I encourage her to hear all perspectives and pray for God to guide her. I don't knock the Dad's church or interpretations, because I don't want her to become discouraged by conflict. No matter, he relentlessly drills into her that her church and Bible is lying to her. I feel strongly that God sees this and does not require me to engage. I constantly pray for him to intervene, as I am powerless to do more than Him. It just continues, and I am having trouble with patience. Anybody want to throw me a bone here?

It sounds like you're using some Godly wisdom in this by not trying to discourage her by conflict w/ beliefs at this stage.
I SO agree with you there! I just had a talk w/ a lady friend who was over my house today, her teen is in a rebellious stage and has no interest in church.

So you're fortunate that she's even showing interest.
How sad that the dad is not taking her into consideration and being happy in her interest! HE ACTS AS IF GOD CAN'T REACH HER without her being in his ideal setting.

I'd call him or arrange a meeting w/ him to talk privately w/ him & explain how fragile she is right now in her interest.
That some interest is better than fighting & confusing her.

Just a thought. :angel:
My prayers go out to you - raising kids today must be very difficult.

[bfly]

I would be so proud that she is going to church. She is young and in time she will decide which church she wants to attend. Meantime why not just encourage her to read and study her Bible and not let man made traditions cause confusion in her life. Her father will be the winner if you try to push her or pull her to go your way. If the churches are protestant what difference could it be?

I would pray for God to lead her and guide her and thank Him every day that she is reading her Bible and going to different churches. You know she didn't put herself in this position.

I know I have used some strong words but you did ask and it is not my intention to offend but maybe cast a light on another way of trying to deal with your concerns. God will win in the end. God Bless

[Stinker]

I would let her attend her dad's church long enough to see if she would be more happy in that one...or not happy in it.