Our will or God’s? Many times we just want things in a prodigal’s life to paint an attractive picture of all the good things this life has to offer them. But sometimes, this is not God’s priority. What God wants more for our children, and us, more than anything is for us to know Him, and know Him deeply, then make Him known. As counter-intuitive as this may sound, it is much better for someone to suffer greatly yet be saved and be an example of God’s Grace, than to never suffer and be lost and lead a self-centered life. Eternity is a very long time, my Friends, and God wants everyone to be saved. Yet sadly, not everyone will want to be saved. And so God allows certain struggles into our lives to turn our hearts towards Him. So when we pray for our child to be delivered from his current challenge, we must do so with the heart of Jesus who said, “not My will, but Yours be done.” (Lk 22:42)
An example of this type of humble prayer would be, “Lord, You know that my son is struggling and what I pray is for this trial to be over, for him to be set free from the problems. But more than that, I desire for his heart to be drawn to You and filled with peace and joy. So if this difficulty is what will transform him into Your image, then please hold him, keep him safe, and deepen his walk with You in the midst of the pain. Amen.” We pray what we desire for them AND we pray what God desires for them even more. This is Faith. This is trusting God with our babies. And because He loves us, this Faith, these prayers, released in to the powerful, gracious and loving hands of our Father, should fill us with peace and joy even as God is working it all together for their good, and ours.
2023’s Got A Minute? Book Club
January: The First & Best Book Ever: The Bible
February: Love Is In the Air: “The 5 Love Languages: The Secret to Love That Lasts” by Gary Chapman
March: Spring Growth: “Secrets of the Vine” by Bruce Wilkinson
April: Living the Resurrected Life: “The Wonderful Spirit Filled Life” by Dr Charles Stanley
May: My Spiritual Mom: “Making Good Habits Breaking Bad Habits” by Joyce Meyer
June: Spiritual Dad: “It’s Not About Me- Rescue from the Life We Thought Would Make Us Happy” by Max Lucado
July: Financial Freedom “Complete Guide to Money” by Dave Ramsey
August: Summer’s Soul Restorer “A Shepherd Looks At Psalm 23” by W Phillip Keller
September: Covering Our Children: “Prayers for the Prodigals” by James Banks
<>< Peace, Diane
