As a divorced parent, it’s easy to feel like the dream of a thriving, united family is over. You may find yourself grieving, thinking, all my efforts to build a great family were wasted. It’s too late to rebuild now. The heartbreak and self-doubt can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re trying to piece together a new normal for your children and yourself.

This is where discernment becomes so vital. Discernment is the ability to see beyond what’s immediately in front of you—to distinguish between truth and lies, between what the enemy wants you to believe and the hope God is trying to show you. Without discernment, it’s easy to misinterpret the challenges of divorce as evidence that God’s plan for your family is finished.

Consider Jacob’s story in Genesis 37:31-35. His sons showed him Joseph’s bloodied coat, leading him to believe his beloved son was dead. He grieved deeply, convinced that Joseph’s story—and the dreams God had for him—were over. But what Jacob couldn’t discern at the time was the truth: Joseph was alive, and God’s plan for him was still in motion. Jacob spent years mourning a lie, not realizing that what he thought was lost forever was actually a part of God’s greater plan for restoration.

As divorced parents, we too must learn to discern. We have to separate the lies—like “My family is broken forever” or “I’ve failed my children”—from the truth of God’s promises. Discernment reminds us that, even after divorce, God is working to restore and rebuild. The story of your family isn’t over, and your efforts to raise healthy, thriving children have not been wasted.

Through faith, intentionality, and guidance—like the support available through Leaders Wellness Suite—you can rebuild your family on a foundation of love and wisdom. Discernment helps us see the hope in what feels hopeless and trust that God is writing a story greater than we could imagine.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, help me discern what is true in the midst of my grief and doubts. Quiet the lies of the enemy that tell me it’s too late to rebuild. Open my eyes to see Your hand in my life and my family, and give me wisdom to follow Your guidance. I trust that You can take what feels broken and make it whole again. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Reflection and Action:

 • Ask yourself: Are there lies I’ve been believing about my family or my role as a parent? Write them down, and then counter them with God’s truth from Scripture.

 • Seek God’s discernment through prayer and meditation on His Word. Take time to reflect before reacting to emotions or situations.

 • Consider reaching out for support. Leaders Wellness Suite offers tools and coaching to help you rebuild your family and create a plan for thriving after divorce.

With God’s help and clear discernment, your family can flourish beyond what you imagined.