Is there any greater anguish than that of a godly parent who must watch their child choose to forsake God? (Bar 4:8) "With joy" these parents "fostered" the faith in their children (Bar 4:11). Then, after their child has rejected God, they must "let [the child] go" with "mourning and lament" (Bar 4:11).
If you have experienced this, imagine the experience of God the Father. Could anyone foster children (see Hos 11:4) better than the Father raises every human being? If children rebel against the incomparable parental love of the Father, then don't feel like a total failure if your guidance is rejected.
Though your children reject your instruction and no longer listen to your appeals, take courage. "Bear patiently" this situation (Bar 4:25). Know that God is even more of a Parent to your child than you are. He will search diligently through "the wasteland" of your child's life until He has rescued him or her (Lk 15:4).
So "turn now ten times the more to seek" God (Bar 4:28). Jesus is your only Hope, and "those who hope in" Him "shall never be disappointed" (Is 49:23). "Fear is useless. What is needed is trust" (Mk 5:36). Therefore, "trust in Him at all times" (Ps 62:9). "Believe in the Lord Jesus and you will be saved, and all your household" (Acts 16:31).
| PRAYER: | Father, may I have an eternal family reunion with You in heaven – with no family members missing. |
| PROMISE: | "He Who has brought disaster upon you will, in saving you, bring you back enduring joy." –Bar 4:29 |
| PRAISE: | In dealing with her son's substance abuse, Rachel appeals to the fatherly care of God to look after her child. |
Reprinted with permission from Presentation Ministries, a lay association of the Catholic Church that focuses on evangelization and discipleship through Bible teaching, daily Mass, the charisms of the Holy Spirit, and Small Christian Community. Their ministries include:
· One Bread, One Body
· Daily Bread Radio Program
· Annual Bible Institute
· Discipleship Retreats
· Guadalupe Bible College