Reading the Bible over a course of years is very interesting. Sometimes the words pierce my heart like an arrow with stark clarity so that I know with emphasis something I need to change in my behavior. Other times I read a familiar verse and realize a new comfort or insight for my current situation and wonder why I never noticed that before. Other times something peaks my interest and a journey starts of reading in context, checking similar passages, reading commentaries, talking with a trusted Christian sister or brother to try to understand if my ideas are consistent with Scripture as a whole.
So it was today when I read this in the 2nd Chapter of Ephesians: "He came and preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near. For through him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit." St. Paul was speaking of the equal love of God for both the Gentiles and the Jews because some Hebrews were snobbish because they had known Jehovah before the Messiah was born and the Gentiles sometimes succumbed to the temptation to remind the Hebrews that it was not the Greeks who had murdered Christ.
Does this sound at all familiar? I understand too well the temptation to view my incarcerated child as one of "them," and wonder how he could have strayed so far. But listen again to these words as they spoke into my life, "Jesus speaks peace to those in prison and to those in the free world. For through Him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit."
So I don't have to manage, control, direct, restrict, restrain, or dominate because I have tried all that and it was not helpful; in fact it was often harmful to the one I love and to myself. Neither do I need to tend, care for, aid, provide for, or support because that is God's area of authority as He builds His relationship with my adult child (or sister or friend). God has no grandchildren and my influence is limited to quietly letting my little light of love and faith shine for those I love.
Today let us pray: Lord of Love and God of Hope, help me to surrender to Your Love and Care and Authority my beloved child whose life choices frighten me so very much. I know You love this child with a love that I can only reflect and that Your promises are always kept. Instead, help me Lord, with every temptation to worry, fuss and stress about my child's situation, to recommit my child's safety to You and thank You that You ALWAYS provide for that child's highest good. Help me, Lord, to turn my thoughts, my energies, my abilities to deepening and strengthening my relationship with You and using my gifts and talents in Your service. AMEN
So it was today when I read this in the 2nd Chapter of Ephesians: "He came and preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near. For through him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit." St. Paul was speaking of the equal love of God for both the Gentiles and the Jews because some Hebrews were snobbish because they had known Jehovah before the Messiah was born and the Gentiles sometimes succumbed to the temptation to remind the Hebrews that it was not the Greeks who had murdered Christ.
Does this sound at all familiar? I understand too well the temptation to view my incarcerated child as one of "them," and wonder how he could have strayed so far. But listen again to these words as they spoke into my life, "Jesus speaks peace to those in prison and to those in the free world. For through Him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit."
So I don't have to manage, control, direct, restrict, restrain, or dominate because I have tried all that and it was not helpful; in fact it was often harmful to the one I love and to myself. Neither do I need to tend, care for, aid, provide for, or support because that is God's area of authority as He builds His relationship with my adult child (or sister or friend). God has no grandchildren and my influence is limited to quietly letting my little light of love and faith shine for those I love.
Today let us pray: Lord of Love and God of Hope, help me to surrender to Your Love and Care and Authority my beloved child whose life choices frighten me so very much. I know You love this child with a love that I can only reflect and that Your promises are always kept. Instead, help me Lord, with every temptation to worry, fuss and stress about my child's situation, to recommit my child's safety to You and thank You that You ALWAYS provide for that child's highest good. Help me, Lord, to turn my thoughts, my energies, my abilities to deepening and strengthening my relationship with You and using my gifts and talents in Your service. AMEN
RSS Feed
