Friday, December 29, 2017

Pray for Families (Blossoming Transformation)

Greetings Prayer Warriors,

As another year comes to a close, I’ve been reflecting about the wisdom of family (from a parent’s perspective). When one has their first child, besides the resulting joy, it suddenly confines you. Your life changes drastically and you feel like your former self is disappearing. Fast-forward a decade or so and regardless of how many children you have, parenthood now very much defines you. You are your child’s/children’s mom or dad, and you feel a deep love and responsibility toward them.

Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up with the training and instruction of the Lord. Ephesians 6:4

Train the young in the way they should go; even when old, they will not swerve from it. Proverbs 22:6

As the years progress and you have young adults, you find that parenting soon refines you. You realize that prayer paid off in different ways, especially in the fruit of the Spirit: patience, love, kindness, and self-control of your tongue….

What you really want to repeat to the often times deaf ears of your independent adult children is:

My son [child], do not forget my teaching, take to heart my commands; For many days, and years of life, and peace, will they bring you. Do not let love and fidelity forsake you; bind them around your neck; write them on the tablet of your heart. Then will you win favor and esteem before God and human beings. Trust in the LORD with all your heart, on your own intelligence do not rely; In all your ways be mindful of him, and he will make straight your paths. Do not be wise in your own eyes, fear the LORD and turn away from evil; Proverbs 3:1-7

As your nest empties, you realize that while you were busy trying to form your children, the Lord was really transforming you. 

She will be saved through motherhood, provided women persevere in faith and love and holiness, with self-control.  1Timothy 2:15

Keep on praying for your family.  The petals of your prayers may bloom in surprising ways. Keep the faith!

Peace, Joy, and Love,
Janet

Encourage others to persevere in prayer. Pass it on!