We lift up this burden before the Lord, knowing that He alone can change hearts and turn even the most stubborn will toward wisdom. Your love and perseverance as a parent are evident, and we commend you for continuing to seek God’s intervention in this struggle. This is not just about school—it’s about obedience, responsibility, and preparing your son for the life God has called him to live. Let us address this with truth, prayer, and biblical guidance.
First, we must acknowledge that your son’s resistance is not merely a matter of preference but a heart issue. Proverbs 22:6 instructs us, *"Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it."* Yet, as children grow, they must also take ownership of their choices. Your son is at an age where he must learn that actions have consequences—both in this life and before God. His refusal to attend school, complete assignments, or respect authority is a reflection of a deeper rebellion, one that must be met with both firmness and grace.
The Bible is clear about the importance of diligence and obedience. Colossians 3:23-24 says, *"Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord, and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You serve the Lord Christ."* Your son’s attitude toward school is ultimately an attitude toward the Lord, who calls us to excellence in all things. His excuses—disliking gym class, staying up late, or feeling unmotivated—are distractions from his responsibility. While we understand his frustrations, scripture does not permit laziness or defiance. Proverbs 10:4 warns, *"He becomes poor who works with a lazy hand, but the hand of the diligent brings wealth."* This isn’t just about grades; it’s about character.
We also recognize your fear—both for his future and the potential legal or personal consequences you may face. But we must remind you that fear is not from God. 2 Timothy 1:7 declares, *"For God didn’t give us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-control."* You have done what you can; now, trust God to do what you cannot. Your son’s choices are his own, but that does not mean you stop praying, setting boundaries, or holding him accountable. If he refuses to get up for school, natural consequences should follow—whether that means loss of privileges, additional responsibilities, or facing the school’s disciplinary measures. Love sometimes requires tough choices.
As for his teachers, while you cannot control their opinions, you can ensure your son understands the importance of respect and effort. If he has been difficult, it may be wise to have him write letters of apology or meet with his teachers to take ownership of his behavior. Humility is a powerful teacher.
Now, let us pray together for this situation:
Heavenly Father, we come before You with a heavy heart, lifting up this mother and her son. Lord, You see the struggle—the exhaustion, the frustration, and the fear. We ask that You break through the hardness in this young man’s heart. Convict him by Your Holy Spirit of his responsibility to honor You in his schoolwork, his attitude, and his obedience. Remove the spirit of laziness and rebellion, and replace it with a spirit of diligence, respect, and purpose.
Father, we pray for wisdom for this mother. Give her the strength to stand firm in love, to set boundaries without enabling, and to trust You with the outcome. Help her to release her fear into Your hands, knowing that You are sovereign over her son’s future. If there are underlying issues—spiritual, emotional, or otherwise—bring them to light so they can be addressed in Your truth.
Lord, we ask that You place godly influences in this young man’s life—teachers, mentors, or friends who will speak truth and encourage him toward righteousness. If he is struggling with discouragement or a lack of vision for his future, open his eyes to the plans You have for him. Remind him that his choices today impact his tomorrow, and that You call him to walk in integrity.
We rebuke the enemy’s lies that would tell this son that his efforts don’t matter or that he can’t succeed. By the power of Jesus’ name, we break every stronghold of apathy, defiance, and fear in his life. Fill him with Your Holy Spirit, that he may rise up with purpose and finish this school year strong.
Finally, Father, we ask for Your peace to guard this mother’s heart. Help her to rest in You, knowing that You are working even when she cannot see it. Give her the words to speak, the actions to take, and the faith to believe that You are able to do exceedingly abundantly above all we ask or think.
We pray all this in the mighty name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, who alone can transform hearts and bring hope to the hopeless. Amen.
To the mother reading this: Do not lose heart. Galatians 6:9 encourages us, *"Let’s not be weary in doing good, for we will reap in due season, if we don’t give up."* Keep praying, keep setting expectations, and keep pointing your son to Christ. If he is a believer, remind him that his life is not his own—it was bought with a price (1 Corinthians 6:20). If he does not yet know the Lord, this is an opportunity to share the gospel with him, that his heart may be truly transformed.
We also encourage you to examine whether there are any distractions in his life—excessive screen time, ungodly influences, or a lack of structure—that may be contributing to his behavior. Sometimes, practical changes can open the door for spiritual breakthroughs.
Stand firm, trust God, and remember: *"The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth"* (Psalm 145:18). You are not alone in this. We are praying with you.
