Recent events in our family have brought before me the reality that I made some mistakes that have had long-standing consequences. They were not intentional, nor malicious – there were things I didn’t know, and what I didn’t know I couldn’t teach. I also have become too aware of how many years I spent trying to make up for those mistakes – in subtle, but deliberate ways I tried to compensate for the things I did wrong in my children’s lives without realizing that I was only perpetuating the errors.
This is perhaps the greatest appreciation I have for the Holy Spirit as a teacher. Not only does He gently guide you into a clearer reality than the fantasy we build for ourselves, but He also teaches you with gentle words how to establish yourself, and then helps you to forgive yourself for following those fantasies. How many times have I quoted the passage:
9Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.
10But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.
11To him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen. 1 Peter 5:9-11 (KJV)
It’s true! Time after time – God helps us as believers to pick ourselves up from our mess that has caused us great suffering, and then straightens us out, establishes us (really by helping us forgive ourselves and move on) and then best of all strengthens us so we won’t make that mistake again! Add it to the list, one more benefit -in the benefit package we are given when we enter the Kingdom!
And yet, how hard we are on those who are not believers – who make mistake after mistake – who don’t know how to be parents to their children – who don’t know how to plan for them or direct them into constructive plans, who have no God on their side – because no one ever let them know He was available? Too often we see distraught parents come across our television screens in tears and anguish because of their child being killed – or even worst, being the killer – and we blame them – for not knowing their child was in a gang, or for not knowing where there child was in the late night hour -the blame game has to stop – and we as believers have to go into another level of prayer – recognizing that as long as some of the children in our communities are not safe – none of the children in our are communities are safe. Too often the ones who fall are not the aggressive ones, but innocent ones who were just sitting on the porch, or waiting on the bus stop –
Saints of the most high God – we have power in prayer – power to break the hold of the enemy over our city – even over our nation – yes, even over our world. Specific prayers for specific answers -brings specific results!
Kairos,
Maria
At our church we have launched a SOS (Save Our Seed). We are in prayer and fasting for this generation. As a matter of fact, we are on a 3 day fast until Thursday for our children. We have the mandate to pray and intercede. The need is great.
Thank you for sharing that word with us today.