We thought we were pretty high tech cruising down the road, some twenty plus years ago, in our Pontiac Transport minivan (lovingly known as the dust buster on wheels). For long family road trips, we were among the first to have a “deluxe” video tape player that plugged into the cigarette lighter.
Cell phones and video games had not yet burst on the scene, and so, when my kids invariably asked, “Are we there yet?” I would put it in terms they would understand. “One more Winnie the Pooh (thirty minutes), and we’ll stop for something to eat.” Or “one more Sandlot (ninety minutes), and we’ll be there.” This, along with a Mary Poppins bag of treats and toys that came out at crucial moments, is what got us through those long ventures.
As an adult who is cruising toward sixty, I find myself asking God, “Are we there yet?”
God has been so faithful to answer prayers in ways that I would have never imagined. Some prayers have gone on for over twenty-five years, and it’s beginning to dawn on me that some prayers will not be answered on this side of eternity. We are drawn into thinking that this life is all there is, and prayers need to be answered during this limited time we have on earth.
For momentary, light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison.
2 Corinthians 4:17 (NASB)
God’s promises go far beyond our short life spans. His focus is an eternal one, and He calls us to get on the bandwagon with this way of thinking. In a seminary class I took, one of the things they had us focus on in Scripture was repetition. When God really wants to make a point, the point is often repeated several times.
Psalm 136 talks about God’s love being eternal.
Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good.
His faithful love endures forever.
Psalm 136:1 (NLT)
The Psalm goes on to chronicle God’s steadfastness throughout Biblical history. After every point the psalmist makes, the chorus is repeated. “His faithful love endures forever” is repeated twenty-six times. I think God is trying to get the point across that His love is not just for this world but will be especially present in eternity — what hope, what joy awaits us!
A good friend of mine tragically lost her young, adult daughter to a drug overdose. This is the type of tragedy that is very hard to wrap your mind around and even harder to produce answers to the question, “Why?” After all, my friend and I have spent countless hours on our knees in prayer for our adult children. We were diligent in presenting our petitions, with thanksgiving, to the Lord. So, why this?
James Banks in his book, Prayers for Prodigals, offers this advice as we are apt to pray for our child’s success, happiness, peace, in this lifetime:
God has given us our children for eternal purposes, and there is no greater blessing and inheritance
we can pass on to them than our prayers for their salvation.
Even Christian parents have prodigals, but what reassurance to know that our years of “training them up in the way that they should go” is not wasted. Our training up of our children is not for this world; it is for eternity.
The Bible talks a lot about forever and eternity and life everlasting. The gospels’ main theme is that man is not doomed forever for his sins but by grace can have life everlasting, salvation in paradise, forever.
I am convicted that I need to adjust my lens for a more eternal setting.
This life is not all there is.
So, when I am want to ask God, “How long O Lord?” It’s kind of like I’m asking as a child, “Are we there yet?” As I try to patiently wait upon the Lord, I take heart that even if my prayers aren’t answered on this side of the pearly gates, they will certainly receive a glorious answer in eternity.
Dear Heavenly Father,
I thank You and praise You that this life is not all there is. Thank You for sending Your Son to die for me so that I may live forever in eternity with You. Help me to be patient through these momentary trials and periods of suffering because I know they are building my character for eternal purposes. Help me to look not just to the end of this lifetime but instead to the blessing of eternal life where all unanswered prayers will finally be answered once and for all. Thank You for Your goodness and faithfulness through all the moments of my life. You make good on Your promises, and Your grace is sufficient for all that we go through. Grant me patience until I am with You forever.
In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.
Are there some prayers of yours that have not been answered? What hope can you take from knowing that His faithful love extends into eternity where most of our life will be lived? What do you need grace for in this moment?
His love is not just for this world but will be especially present in eternity -- what hope, what joy awaits us! -Bev Rihtarchik: Click To Tweet Leave a Comment
I need prayers for restoration with my ex. He is back with the woman who ended our relationship. We both became Christians after the divorce his more recently about 3 & 1/2 years ago. We have 2 kids 15 & 12. The pain is so overwhelming. I have been praying for 12 years for this! Thank you Jesus!
Praying for you Dawn and the healing of your pain. May you restore a relationship with your ex husband for your children. Lord please answer this prayer for your daughter Dawn. IJN, Amen
Dawn –
I don’t mean to sound trite, but is it possible that God has a different plan for you and your ex? It doesn’t sound, at least at this moment, that he wants to reconcile. My dear one, please do not put your life on hold. It is too short and too precious.
I pray that God will give you the wisdom you need to discern his will for this relationship.
Elizabeth
Dawn,
I am praying for you sweet sister…in my first marriage I prayed for over 25 years for my husband to truly love me. He left once to be with another woman. I prayed for reconciliation and that happened. Another ten years passed and he left again. Same reason. After some helpful Christian counsel, I realized that I deserved better than someone who continually breaks promises. I thought my world was coming to an end, but I went through with the divorce. That was ten years ago. I have now been married to the love of my life – a godly Christian man who cherishes me and for the first time in my life, I feel truly loved (the answer to my prayer of 35 years ago). I just offer this because you never know how God might be working. I pray that, if it is His will, you will be reconciled, but if He has a better plan for you, I pray that He will close doors and open windows. Lean into Him…He will not leave you comfortless…
Blessings and gentle ((hugs)),
Bev xx
Hi Dawn,
I’m having trouble with my laptop….I answered once already, but it didn’t post?? Anyway, for 25 years I prayed that I would feel loved in my marriage. Then my husband abandoned me and our children to be with another woman. I prayed for reconciliation and after a year, that happened. Ten years passed and my husband left again. Same reason. After receiving some Christian counsel, I realized that I didn’t have to keep living with someone who continually broke promises to me. I thought my world was coming to an end, but I went through with the divorce. That was ten years ago. I have been married for 5 years to a wonderful, godly, Christian man who loves and cherishes me. I have never been so happy. Thirty five years later, I got God’s answer to my prayer. I am praying for you, that if it is God’w will then you will be reconciled, but if He has a better plan for your life, I pray that He would give you wisdom and discernment as well as close doors and open windows. We can’t understand the mind of God.
Blessings and gentle ((hugs)),
Bev xx
Bev –
I was so proud and excited to read your post. Congratulations!
I look forward to many more here on (in)courage, and I pray that your prayers will be answered in this life.
Elizabeth
Elizabeth,
Thank you for your ever so sweet and supportive comments!! It would be great if God answered my prayers in my lifetime, but I am learned to leave room for the mystery of how God works. Continuing to lift you and your daughter up in my prayers that God would continue to give you wisdom and discernment. You are worthy and loved!
Blessings,
Bev xo
Bev!!!!!
So wonderful to see your writing here! I am so pleased and proud of you, very cool! I need grace at this time for falling into the self sabotaging trap of believing negativity in my worth and abilities. I know God loves me right into eternity and has given me his grace. While we are this side of heaven I want to partner with God in his plan for my life, to use me as He has planned and not let my doubts get in the way again!
Jas,
Thanks for showing up and offering some lovin’!! I continue praying for you that you would be able to see the negative thoughts as lies. God doesn’t speak to us with condemnation. The Bible offers Truth about how awesome and fearfully made you are. (Psalm 139). Keep countering the lies with truth. If your doubts aren’t turning you away from God, but are making you question…God can use those doubts to draw you in. He wants to answer your questions and isn’t phased by our doubting. “Lord, I believe, help my unbelief.” God’s got you!! Go easy on yourself…
Blessings,
Bev xo
Jas, praying for you ! Your worth is great, i myself have a hard time being “needy” doing what god asks to be still and wait on him. I want him to fix the issues now. I ve been trying to what James 1:19 listen then be slow to speak. Prayers to you, love.
May God bless you on your first post! Yes, there are some prayers that haven’t been answered, but I see the tiny answers of people wanting to be with me because I’m kind, situations turning around which had me in worry suddenly to jubilation, safety and protection on the highways. These events cause me to be thankful and in turn, thanking God in advance for what He is about to do in my life. I do need grace to be patient in the waiting for God to answer my prayers. Anything I do in word and deed, I’m sure to do it for God’ glory ! Amen!
Kamilah,
Your comments remind me that we need to remember the smaller answers to prayer – kind people, safety and protection on the highways, etc. These small reminders help us to have confidence that God will answer the really BIG prayers. I love how you thank God in ADVANCE for what He is about to do. Great approach for all of us to take. Praying for grace to be patient in the waiting…oh how hard it is to wait. However God answers, it will be for His glory. Thanks for sharing!
Blessings,
Bev xx
This was so encouraging! Thanks, Mrs. Bev.
Courtney,
You are most welcome! I’m glad that you found encouragement here today!
Be blessed,
Bev xx
So lovely to see you here at incourage, Bev. And Amen to your testimony and prayer. My beloved Mum did not see me come back to the Lord in her lifetime. But the prayers she prayed for me and the Word she spoke out in faith over me did not return void. When she could utter no more words, the Holy Spirit poured out His peace upon me through my Mum. I felt the presence of God in that room like I never have before and never have again. It filled me with a yearning to know the true God and not the frightening idol I began to serve in my youth. Later, I would see how the repentance God brought to my Mum in her final years played a pivotal role in the Lord bringing me home. As God returned her to true and pure worship in Spirit and truth, the kind I witnessed in her, when I was a young child and saw her and my father give up everything to move to the other side of the world with almost no money left, nor knowing exactly what God had planned, He poured His love and peace out of her into my and my family’s life. Now, I see God’s purpose threaded through my whole life. Believe it or not, my Prodigal journey was His answer to my parents’ and my prayers – for grace to dwell deeply inside of me. As a little girl I was jealous of new believers who didn’t grow up in the church because they truly knew what grace was and I saw that I didn’t. I was the good, obedient, never putting a foot wrong girl. But that obedience was not the Lord’s doing. But when He called me to obey Him and speak the truth in love to my parents as a child, and they turned Jesus in me away, then my journey into true faith and love and grace began in earnest. A journey that would lead from rebellion – as I deemed myself wrong and turned Jesus away to not lose the approval of my parents – to beautiful trust, as Jesus allowed me to see the truth I spoke so long ago reap repentance and restoration and as He led me to one opportunity after another to arise in the truth and be rejected by man but embraced by Him.
Anna,
Your story gave me goosebumps! Thank you for this awesome reminder that the promises of the Word that we pray and speak over others (especially our children) will not return void. I know it’s possible that my prayers may not be realized in my lifetime, but I am trusting that though I may not see God moving, He is always moving behind the scenes to furiously pursue and woo rebels and prodigals back into His arms. Your testimony is one I will lock in my heart and hold onto when I hear only silence. So glad God called you back to repentance and restoration. To God be the glory! Thanks so much for sharing!
Blessings,
Bev xx
Prodigals (meaning literally: lavishly loved) are sealed by the Holy Spirit. When we are unfaithful, our God remains faithful, because He cannot ever disown Himself in us. I see now how God has placed me so strategically through my Prodigal journey: I am now surrounded by men and women who have been deeply hurt and rejected in the church (who have experienced sexual, physical, spiritual and emotional abuse) who I now have the privilege of loving in Christ. They are revealing Christ to me also, as I am watching them lead me to repentance also: I am seeing Christ in them already — and one day they will see Him too and weep as they too recognize that He has never ever left them. God is breaking open all the boxes I ever put Him in. He is SO much bigger and more stunning than we realize. I am excited to see what He will unveil in your own children – He has called them for a purpose and they are walking toward it without even knowing it. Praise Him in advance for what He is going to do in and through them.
Anna,
Love this: “He has called them for a purpose and they are walking toward it without even knowing it.” Praise! Praise Him in advance for what He is going to do in and through them. You have REALLY lifted me up today. God bless you…
Bev xo
Jas, praying for you ! Your worth is great, i myself have a hard time being “needy” doing what god asks to be still and wait on him. I want him to fix the issues now. I ve been trying to what James 1:19 listen then be slow to speak. Prayers to you, love.
Oh Bev, Your words truly touched my heart! You have given me a new perspective of looking at the journey my prodigal son was taking. May you continue on this journey of sharing your thoughts and words with us that God has put on your heart! You have given me a hopeful message! Blessings on your continual ministry.
Nancy,
I have wrestled a lot with this topic as I pray for both of my adult children. Often when I’m writing, I’m writing to myself 🙂 I can’t pretend to understand the mystery of God that allows our children to walk down prodigal or rebellious paths?? I DO know, from my own experience, that God can bring beauty from even the most desolate circumstances. Praying for you and your son and for moms and parents everywhere who pray for restoration for their children. God gave me a hopeful message and I am glad that I got this opportunity to share it!
Blessings,
Bev xx
Oh, Bev, what a gift to find your words here today! Thank you for persevering through the “How long, O Lord” and trusting him with the destination.
Michele,
Thanks for always cheering me on! Some days I think “perseverance” is my middle name, but God is certainly growing me through all of this and that is the goal, right? He’s got this…
Blessings sweet friend,
Bev xx
Dear Bev, Wow, this devotional is so good!!! Very encouraging!!! My daughter-in-law is from Lebanon, I saw you minister to children in the Middle East, do you have any in Lebanon. Nour’s life is so different from that of our son Jake & their life together has been such a blessing not only to both of them but to my husband & myself as well. Nour grew up in Syria for 15 years then they moved to Beirut until she married Jake 2 years ago. Her lifestyle was very hard although she was so thankful for what she had & was always very happy. I hope you are blessed today as you bless so many! Barbara
Barbara,
Glad you found encouragement here today! We are not currently in Lebanon (for safety reasons I don’t mention exact locations on public websites), but there are so many countries that are truly dark corners in this world. I am very passionate about bringing the light of Christ into a part of the world that the rest of the globe ignores. The faith of our brothers and sisters in Christ who live such persecuted lives, makes my faith look pale in comparison. Many have so little, but because they have their salvation, they count it all as joy. Westerners could learn a lot from them. It sounds like your daughter-in-law’s attitude of gratitude is infectious! Check our our website if you get a chance: http://redeemerchristianfoundation.org/ You have blessed me today…thank you!
Blessings,
Bev xx
Thank you for the fresh way of seeing the ‘timeline’ for answers to our prayers. It’s so easy to fall into the trap of thinking that God has deemed our prayer unworthy of answer or that He has simply neglected to answer. The outlook that His answers come not only in this life but in eternity gives such fresh hope! Maybe I relate to your post because I, too, am quickly pushing that 60 year mark and some of my prayers have had quite a few birthdays as well. (Oh, the joys of road trips before cell phones and tablets! Those may have been a lot of work for us Moms, but the family engagement and memories were so worth it!) But, I suspect everyone can use a fresh set of eyes and refreshed hope! Thank you for sharing! Blessings, Julie
Julie,
I think God knew I needed a fresh perspective because there are some prayers of mine that have seen “quite a few birthdays” as you say! It gave me great hope to be reminded that we want our prayers to have eternal repercussions and so if they are not answered in this lifetime….there is a larger timeline and that belongs to God. Sadly, gone are the days of picking out alphabet letters off license plates, lol, and other games we had to pass the time while traveling. There’s something to be said for having to use your good old imagination 😉 You gave me a smile. Thanks for sharing!
Blessings,
Bev xx
So happy to read your first post! The title made me chuckle because on many bus trips as a chaperone a sage bus driver would answer
“20 minutes” every time a kid would ask are we there yet? Or how much longer?! It became a running joke for many of us and we use it to this day with many time related questions.
I look forward to your comments on (in)courage posts – you are a wise, God-dedicated woman. Bless you and welcome to the sixty club – I recently became a member myself!
Indiane,
Your comment made me laugh out loud!! Definitely a sage bus driver. I’ll have to remember that…it’s a funny way of saying, “Just have patience; we’ll get there.” Maybe when I cry out, “How long O Lord?” God is smiling and saying, “20 Minutes.” lol. God give us grace to have patience with His timing in answering our prayers…He always answers. Thanks for a good laugh 😉
Blessings sweet-sixty sister,
Bev xx
The quote from James Banks stopped me in my tracks. I am forever wanting to fix my kids now and they are adults. I love the idea that we are passing on our prayers for salvation.
I also am on my way to sixty and find myself looking forward to eternal life with my Father. My perspective has shifted greatly this year. Thank you for your thoughtful words.
Mary,
That quote stopped me in my tracks as well. I am forever trying fix things or manipulate outcomes even as they are adults. Sometimes I think God would like to say, “Bev, will you please get out of my way? I’ve got this covered!” I am trying to become more patient with not seeing immediate answers to prayer and realizing that the answer may be an eternal one. Joining with you in having my perspective shifted. Maybe this is the grace of growing older and perhaps, wiser? Thanks for encouraging me here…
Blessings sweet friend,
Bev xx
Great encouragement, Bev! Thank you!
Gail,
So glad you found encouragement here! Thank you for taking the time to comment!
Blessings,
Bev xx
Bev, I love seeing your name at the top of the screen today. Thank you for offering your sweet words, eternal perspective, and encouragement. My heart is more hope-filled today because of it. Such a gift to have you as part of the (in)courage community.
Becky,
Thanks for having me here today…this has been a lot of fun! I am finding that I am being encouraged and lifted up in the comments much more than the encouragement I’ve offered. (in)courage has a lot of wise readers who are willing to come alongside others and give them hope. I know I’ve taken away a lot of hope so far. I am the one who has been blessed. So thankful for the (in)courage ministry…
Blessings Becky,
Bev xx
Bev,
What a great story and reminder. I think that us adults are often asking God, ” are we there yet?”, in our own ways. As you mention, our prayers should not cease as we need to remember they may be granted in eternity. I think often that’s tough to realize when it’s concerning our children. We must remember that God knows what he is doing and has a grand plan for us all.
I’m learning as my young adult daughter just married this year. Our relationship changes although we still love one another. Since she’s an only child and we have always been super close, it’s hard to keep boundaries and allow her to ” fly”. Whew, and I thought her going to college was tough. I have to say she’s an amazingly strong, beautiful, and smart young woman who believes in God. I need patience and graace dealing with this new season.
Have a blessed day Bev, I can’t wait to read more. I had to chuckle at the comments on no video games, etc. I love your time references, lol
Jen,
So true that our prayers should never cease as they may be granted answers in eternity. Amen! For us moms, we need to remember that God was their Father before we were their mother and He knows what He is doing. I know that these different stages and seasons with our children are hard to navigate. I am an only child, and I remember pulling away from my mom when I got married. I think I wanted to chart my own course. I give my mom credit that she didn’t meddle (too much) but allowed that space. Now that I’m 58 and she is 85, we couldn’t be tighter. I think once I had children, I developed a whole new appreciation for my mom. Praying that God will grant you patience and grace and give you wisdom. Glad you enjoyed my flash back in time lol.
Blessings,
Bev xx
“…we need to remember that God was their Father before we were their mother and He knows what He is doing.”
Bev, this is so true. I am constantly praying for my children and for them to return to Him. They are my gifts from God, but I also know that they are His and only loaned to me for my time here.
I too am sliding fast and furiously into 60. I am still trying to figure out just how that happened. I swear a couple of years ago I was just 26, or so it feels. LOL.
Your writing always speaks to me.
God Bless,
Tracey
Tracey,
I remember when I thought 60 was ancient and here I am knocking at the door. Do you ever look at others, your same age, with gray hair, and secretly say, “I’m not that old?” Until you look in the mirror and guess what? lol I know I’ve earned these gray hairs with my two “kids”. The truth is we mothers love our kids and I pray that God honors our prayers on their behalf. When I pray for mine, I will add your children in my prayer. God bless your heart that yearns for them to know Him!
Blessings
Bev xx
Bev,
Every. Single. Time. LOL. Thank you for your prayers, I will also pray for yours.
<3
CONGRATULATIONS BEV …inspiring post.. I am 70 and yes looking now at life differently and anxious for my adult children to turn their self life around to Accept and serve Jesus. Your post encouraging my heart.
This morning my devotion was Luke 23 and that also gave me hope as I read vs 39-43 Jesus accepted the criminal on the cross EVEN AT the last minute upon TRUE repentance.
One never knows at death, we might be happily surprised at who is in Heaven after all.
Blessings Dear Child of God.. hope to see more of your posts and that He answers your prayers .
Cheryl,
I know my greatest desire is for my children (now adults) to have an intimate and genuine relationship with their Lord and Savior. It’s hard to watch time pass and I know praying for this is within the will of God. I have had to learn to hand over the timing of God’s answer. You are spot on in reminding us that even moments before our death, salvation can be had with true repentance. I know God gives us all every opportunity to turn to Him. I, too, think we will be happily surprised at who is in Heaven after all. Thank you for your prayers. I am blessed by them…
Blessings,
Bev xx
Bev,
Your words spoke to my heart. They are words I needed to hear. Thank you for sharing.
Elaina
Elaina,
So glad that the words God spoke to me, are speaking to you today! I continue to lift you up in prayer. God knows what you’re dealing with even better than you do. Keep hanging in there and one day at a time <3
Blessings,
Bev xx
Oh Bev, I was excited to see your words of encouragement here on (in)courage. Congrats!!! Am looking forward to see more of your words as you bring encouragement to this wonderful community. God knows what He is doing for our prodigals and to all young generation out there who are distant from the LORD when we feel that prayers have not been answered yet. Just know that followers of (in)courage and I are praying for you.
Carrie,
Thank you for cheering me on, here, today! So great to read your words of encouragement. God’s got our prodigals. I love how Anna, in the comments above, says that “prodigal” means lavishly loved. I know how much God loves our kids and He hears our prayers. Thank you so much for your prayers. Know that I hold you and yours in mine as well!
Blessings dear friend,
Bev xx
Wow..Looks like there are a lot of “Spring Chickens” here as I am already 82 years old (young) And I still wonder “When, Why, How” about so many things. I would love to see revival in our nation. I certainly want to see many answered prayers, especially for Bev.
God’s promises go far beyond our short life spans…Yes..Amen!
Frances,
You ARE just 82 years YOUNG! I know that the older I get the more I realize just how much I don’t know!! I’m far from the “know-it-all” twenty something young woman I once was, that’s for certain. That’s why we truly need mentors to come alongside us – like you have for me – to encourage us that “this too shall pass.” Joining with you in wanting to see revival in our nation. We are so far from obedience. Thank you for your continuing prayers for me and my family. Lifting you in prayer as well. YOU are a blessing!
Blessings,
Bev xo
I loved reading this Bev. It makes me think that there should always be prayers that aren’t answered. If we got everything we wanted, wouldn’t we be too spoiled??
It goes to show that we don’t always know what is best for us, in my opinion.
XOXO
Jodie
Jodie,
Great perspective – if we always got what we wanted, when we wanted it, we would be terribly spoiled! Sometimes God’s “best” answers are worth waiting for and we don’t know what’s best for us. Joining with you in trusting the One who does know best. Thanks so much for your loving encouragement!
Blessings,
Bev xoxo
Oh Bev, this may be my favorite writing of yours to date. ♥ Love this, friend. Thank you for this encouragement today. Or shall I say (in)couragement today, hehe. xoxo
Brenda,
Your comment did, indeed, show up! I’m so thankful it did…there seems to be a lag time on comments posting. Thanks for always encouraging my writing endeavors. We’re in this boat together! You continually encourage me in so many ways. Thanks for being such a blessing!
Blessings sweet friend,
Bev xx
I love the reminder that what I see here and now isn’t the whole story. God has a much wider view of my life. He promises that there is a happily ever after with Him!
Rebecca,
So true that we don’t see the whole story. What we see, in this earthly lifetime, is just a blink of an eye. So thankful we have an eternity with God and our brothers and sisters in Christ to look forward to! Thanks for taking the time to comment!
Blessings,
Bev xx
I read with interest any mention of prodigals as I continue to pray for my two adult sons. I loved Anna’s encouraging comments. I heard Billy Graham say that God can use a mother’s prayers, so I will never cease to pray for them to walk with Jesus. I realize that life here is just a vapor, and time is short. And oh how much of that time I’ve wasted through poor decisions! With the time I have left, I will be earnestly praying for my sons. They are the greatest gift God gave me after Jesus.
Karen,
Anna’s words about prodigals were very encouraging to me as well! I do trust that God hears every prayer we mothers whisper in lifting up our children. I would love nothing more than for my two to have an intimate and genuine relationship with their Lord and Savior. When I lift my adult kids up, I will lift up yours as well, Karen. There can never be too many prayers. God hears us. Joining with you in continuing to go on our knees in prayer. Thanks for sharing!
Blessings
Bev xx
God bless you for this post! I’ve been praying for our adult son’s salvation for years. Your message has given me a new perspective and hope. I know our GOD is GOOD, HIS MERCIES NEVER ENDING❣ Just as HE carried me through my cancer treatment, I’m trusting his plan for our son.
God bless you and keep you
Looking forward to more of your sharing!
Teresa,
When our hope wanes in praying for our children’s salvation, you are wise to look at the grace and mercy God extended to you through your cancer treatment. That same God has your son in His hands. Praying earnestly with you that your son would not be able to outrun the furious and loving pursuit of Jesus. May He woo our “kids” back to Himself. Thanks for your sweet encouragement here today!
Blessings,
Bev xx
Tresea look up a song on youtbe by Don moen it is called
I am the God that health thee.
Listen to it believe it for you healing. Will keep you in prayer for your Cancer Dawn it a lovely simple song Don Moen a Christian singer writter wrote it he sings it. Ferguson-Little.
I may have shared this story with you before, Bev. My saintly grandmother often wrote to each of us nine cousins, never failing to end with a scripture she thought might be timely. Actually, she probably prayed about what verses to include. At the time she went home to heaven one of my cousins had abandoned his Christian upbringing. But he loved Grandma and grieved her passing. P. had saved her letters, got them out and started reading them over again–even looking up the scriptures. As a result, he chose to return to Jesus, enrolled in seminary, and served as a pastor for a number of decades. I like to think Grandma now knows that all of her prayers for P. and all the letters she wrote produced great fruit! You are so right, Bev, we must never give up hope!
Nancy,
You have shared this story, but I could hear it over and over again because of the hope it holds! This story brings me to tears because we just never know how God will use our words to our children (or our grandchildren). I know my mom prays for my “kids” as well. I take heart in knowing that God is always working, even if we don’t see it. And, He can continue to work even when we have departed this earthly world. Thanks for the wonderful encouragement you shared! Joining with you in never giving up hope!
Blessings sweet friend,
Bev xx
“God IS always working, even if we don’t see it. And, He can continue to work even when we have departed this earthly world.” AMEN, Bev, AMEN! Such powerful truths to keep in focus!
Bev,
How nice to read your writing here. I have followed you since the beginning of In Courage. Have & still am praying for you & your family.
Lately I’ve been asking “how long O Lord”. This world is becoming more & more like Sodom & Gomorrah. Sometimes I wish it would all end & we can be in Heaven with Jesus. All this disunity & hatred going on drives me crazy. I just wish we could go back to the old days when we heard the Bible read & said the pledge of allegiance to start our school days. Like you I have my “why questions”. One biggie is why my neighbor lost her two children, husband & almost all her family. She is living alone with a friend of the family helping her out. It just doesn’t seem fair. One thing I know is that God will take care of us. His love is ever present now & will be even more so in Heaven. Great post!
Blessings 🙂
Beth,
You are an awesome prayer warrior for me and many others. I never cease to be amazed at how much you care about and for others. You truly have a servant’s heart <3 I join you in wishing we still said the pledge of allegiance and learned the Ten Commandments in Sunday School…maybe our world would be a better place?! I don't understand the Why's – like your neighbor who has lost so much?? Some days I'm ready for the rapture and have heavenly homesickness to be in a place with no more pain and suffering. Thanks for your encouragement today, and always!
Blessings,
Bev xx
Amen and amen.
(How much did I love seeing your name and picture at the top of the post? So much.)
Kaitlyn,
It really means A LOT to me that you took the time to read and comment on my post! Thanks for the lovin’!
I love your BIG heart <3
Blessings,
Bev xo
I am praying for my autistic 15 year old son to sleep in his own bed again. We moved to a new city and house over 3 months ago, and he doesn’t want to sleep in his room. Due to his disabilities, there could be something about his new room that is different than our last house – a smell, too much light, not enough light, etc. I have asked every question imaginable & tried everything that I can think of & researched sleep issues, but there is something my son can’t communicate to us about his new room. We have also tried 2 different sleep meds in hopes something might help, but the meds didn’t work for my son; they actually made things worse. My husband & I are exhausted; I’m trying to stay faithful, continue to pray for patience, & help my son through whatever his fears may be. Other prayers are greatly appreciated.
Erin,
It must be so hard since your son can’t communicate to you what makes him not want to sleep in his own bed. Praying that God would speak to his heart and let him know that his bed is a safe place. I know that scripture never returns void. Just a wild thought…what if before bed you read calming scripture to him in his bed and prayed for God’s loving protection to be there through the night with him?
Perfect love casts out fear…scripture is God’s perfect love. Not trying to fix things…I’m sure you’ve tried everything. Praying for God’s calming Spirit to be with him.
Blessings,
Bev xx
Erin,
It must be so hard since your son can’t communicate to you what makes him not want to sleep in his own bed. Praying that God would speak to his heart and let him know that his bed is a safe place. I know that scripture never returns void. Just a wild thought…what if before bed you read calming scripture to him in his bed and prayed for God’s loving protection to be there through the night with him?
Perfect love casts out fear…scripture is God’s perfect love. Not trying to fix things…I’m sure you’ve tried everything. Praying for God’s calming Spirit to be with him.
Blessings,
Bev xx
Thanks, Bev. I appreciate the prayers. My son & I pray & read a Bible devotion each night before bed. I have been reminding him that Jesus loves him & will always take care of him, but perhaps I need to look-up some calming scriptures as well. We are trying anything & everything to help him.
Erin,
I know it’s not an easy fix…praying that something will finally work. As an adult with an anxiety disorder, just reading through or hearing the 23rd Psalm helps me calm down and lie, safely still, in His green pastures. His Word never returns void…
Blessings and prayers,
Bev
No one There Yet? We never be there until we get to Glory to be with Jesus. Where everything will be perfect. We will no.
No problems in glory. But even if we don’t get our prayers answered this side of earth we will get them answered in Glory with Jesus. But we are not to take our eyes of Jesus. We are to keep praying to him. Keep trusting him no matter what. No matter how hard things get. I know what a broken family like. When my Dad broke up my his Marriage with my late Mum. It hurts. But you have to forgive. Or it only eats you up. I am the only saved. My Dad not saved. I pray for his salvation. All I want most is for my Dad to get Saved. I want nothing else from him. I will always love him and do as it says in the Bible Honor thy Mother and Father. Thank you so much for this Excellent reading. Love Dawn Ferguson-Little
Dear Bev,
After reading all of your reply’s, wiping away a tear or two, sharing my aching heart over similar situations in my 85 years. I still pray, repeating the same prayers so many times, I have learned to say to God ” You know my prayers, I am trusting you with all my heart”., we must trust and be patient, it may take years. God does work in mysterious , wonderful, fantastic ways. Believe and Trust. It may even happen here on earth. I know this for a fact . . . Never forget to say ” Thank You God”
He really likes Thank You”s for even the smallest things, such as a beautiful day, a cool breeze, birds singing, Flowers, (God’s jewels of the earth.) At times heaven can be found right on earth, midst the turmoil of our country, our family members, if we look for it, while we are waiting for the ” Main Event” of our Prayers to be answered in God’s own plan, at times we just need to get out of his way.
Thank You God for my good health and mind that I can even write this, and for Bev who was recognized and published, may she continue to be helpful to all of us in the future.
Thank You . . . Thank You . . . Thank You . . GOD
M
Dawn,
You are so right – no one as arrived yet. Nor will anyone arrive this side of heaven! It is good that you have forgiven your dad and your heart’s desire is for him to be saved. God hears and knows your prayer. Have you ever told your dad that you can’t imagine heaven without him? That there is only one way to assure that you will be together forever in paradise? Just a thought…I know I can’t imagine heaven without my loved ones. God bless you for your caring and compassionate heart! Thanks for sharing…
Blessings,
Bev xx
I can relate to so much of this post, Bev. Not only do I remember those long van rides with impatient kiddos in tow, but I also feel that impatience with my eternal destination. It grows even more intense the older I get! But I do want to wait patiently on God for His purposes to unfold in His time and way–both here on earth and in heaven. Thanks for sharing this inspiring word for us today!
Hold on tight with God during the time of a challenge. I’m confident he will make you smile again and make your face shine. With God, all things are possible!