When my children were small I would pray that they would avoid all of the struggles, and pitfalls that I managed to find. It’s a reasonable prayer request. Like any good parent, I desire my children’s life to be joyful and peaceful; however, God’s not quite seeing things my way – and I have A (meaning singular) silver (not grey) hair to prove it! 😉
Recently, I was pleading with God on behalf of one of my kids. I cried out that what has plagued past generations would pass my child. Out of no where an unexpected verse comes flooding my thoughts:
“Therefore, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven—as her great love has shown. But whoever has been forgiven little loves little.” Luke 7:47
I stayed there on my knees and could only weep… Out of my mother’s heart, I could feel the heart beat of the Father. God began showing me that what my child was going through was directly connected to the testimony of a passionate, sold out for Christ, person. What the enemy wanted to use as a weapon to destroy their testimony, God will use to strengthen it!
I am a firm believer in you don’t know what you don’t know. So, to testify on behalf of how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is we really need to experience it! People believe when they can feel you know what you’re talking about, and that comes from very real people with very personal stories!
Our God isn’t interested in how perfect we can keep our lives, it’s impossible living here on earth to do such a thing. He’s much more interested in how we love others through the love we’ve been shown. It’s the principal of to whom much is given much is expected (Luke 12:48).
I’m not going to stop praying that generational curses pass my children, or that my mistakes would be to their benefit. However, the next time a trial finds it’s way across my threshold, I’m going to remind myself that God get’s the last word, and it’s going to come through their testimony!
Let’s Chat: You’ve all been so quiet lately. Several posts and not a single comment! What’s up with that? Since when do women not want to talk! Come on ladies, it makes it far more fun to write when we can dialog! So share your thoughts… How has experiencing God’s love impacted the way you love others? If you have children, does looking at their trials as a weapon in their testimony for Christ bring you hope for your son/daughter?
I so needed to hear this! Even with friends, you care about them so much you could only do so much in wanting them to be touched by God.. this was so good thanks beth!
So true Laura, this principal goes towards family and friends… I can remember feeling this way towards a brother of mine, when the Lord gently reminded me that the way He goes about answering the prayers I am praying aren’t necessarily the way I picture them and to not loose heart while praying! I’m glad it blessed you, and thanks for the comment!