God has blessed me so much with giving me life to see my grandchildren accepting Him one by one. And He gives me the strength to continue praying and believing for my grown children who need to rededicate their life to Christ and for those grandchildren who are not yet in the Kingdom.I became a grandmother at 39, twelve years into my walk with Christ, and each grandchild was prayed for the first time I held them.
Every day since then, they have been in my prayers and it has been a long path. But He continues to watch over some who are still in bad times. He has been faithful, and has brought quite a few through the most harrowing times, and delivered them..I have had periods of estrangement to my children at times which has been as painful as a death, but God has brought them back into my arms. They never left my heart.
And so I would encourage you today to never give up and to continue praying. My path is not over but my purpose as a Mum and Nan is to keep praying for them...Don’t let shame get in the way of the LORD continuing a good work in your life, but learn to trust in Him and be comforted by Him during your trials. Continue your own walk in the faith. By so doing, you will not give the Evil One another advantage: you losing your faith and witness as well as your child.... however temporary or permanent that may turn out to be.
Ezekiel 18:20 reminds us that “…the son will not share the guilt of the father, nor will the father share the guilt of the son. The righteousness of the righteous man will be credited to him, and the wickedness of the wicked will be charged against him.” I can neither accept the blame nor take the credit. Guilt must cease because they are not from God.
To all parents of prodigals I say, "Don't look inward, behind or forward- just keep looking up! And remember that Jesus loves your child as much as you do!" As parents, we need to die to our dreams, our desires, and our expectations for our children. We need to love them unconditionally, expecting nothing in return. Trust Christ to woo your child to Him and back into your arms!
© Glenys Robyn Hicks
Thank you for the encouragement I found in this post. I have a prodigal daughter and a prodigal son and my heart grieves for them daily. I love the passage that you shared from Ezekiel! I will be speaking that one aloud when Satan comes around pointing his accusing finger at me! Thanks again for sharing; I find all of your posts touching in one way or another.
ReplyDeleteLisa
I will pray that your children return to you soon!
DeleteI agree with Lisa. We have 3 children who are in full rebellion against God. And a son-n-law. Two precious grandchildren being told God is not real and led to believe in gay marriage. My heart is heavy most days. I am encouraged when reminded that we are not alone in this.
ReplyDeleteOh Kerri, my heart goes out to you! All we can do is pray for them and remember that they are adults now. God will protect them as you pray and it is up to the Holy Spirit to convict and woo them to Him. Meanwhile, as parents, it is good to remember "Ezekiel 18:20 reminds us that “…the son will not share the guilt of the father, nor will the father share the guilt of the son. The righteousness of the righteous man will be credited to him, and the wickedness of the wicked will be charged against him.” I can neither accept the blame nor take the credit. Guilt must cease because they are not from God. I think you could still share about God to your grandchildren when you have them. I do. Be encouraged! I will pray for you with understanding and empathy! Keep looking up! God isn't finished with your children yet! Blessings and comfort, Glenys
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