Monday's Blessing
1 Corinthians 13:8
"Love never fails (never fades out or becomes obsolete or comes to an end)."
There are times you may just want to give up on someone you love.
But, you must remember that love never fails. God never wants us to give up on one and other. The apostle Paul describes what love is in 1 Corinthians 13 and mentions that love always believes the best; it is positive and filled with faith and hope. While Jesus was on earth, He gave a new commandment to His followers: that we love one another (John 13:34). I believe that walking in love should be the main goal of every Christian even when its easier said then done.
Several years ago, the son I grew up with, John, began drinking excessively. He had moved out on his own and came into some adversity from life. He lost his job and came down with a chronic illness.
As a parent the first thing that hits your mind is how can I help and protect? You just can't stand the thought that there may be nothing you can do at the moment. So, you try anyway. But, you know deep down inside, when your children turn to adults; you must place that faith at God's feet and hope that everything will be taken care of.
Nonetheless, some days; unfortunately, it doesn't help. You keep interceding and nothing works in your favor. You begin questioning yourself: How did this start? When did it start? How could I have prevented it? Sadly, there are no viable answers that answer that call.
I had just awakened to the fact, after many years of this grief, that I may lose my son and there wasn't a thing I could do on my end. How do you prepare for a child's death? You don't. It just grows and festers becoming more dark and unsightly in your heart as the days go on.
The drinking became worse and the illness reared its ugly head deeper into his being until he was shut off from the outside world in a lone apartment by the sea. We gave up on family parties and get togethers because he was unable to come out. He wouldn't answer the phone and refused to return calls.
One stormy day I rose in the morning with a terrible uneasy feeling. Something was wrong with my child. I knew in my heart that this was an impending downfall he may not recover from. I drove the 30 minutes and banged on the door incessantly until he answered. When he did, he was scooting along the floor unable to stand upright any longer. Oh! if I could just collapse and no longer live this grief!
But, pulled myself together and reconciled the situation on his terms. No, he did not want me to cart him to the emergency room in a drunken stupor. Yes, he would ask a friend to take him the next day.
That night was long and dark with sleeplessness. But, the following morning he made it to the emergency room. It was four weeks in the hospital: plasma transfusions, liver deterioration, and others.
After the first week, God answered my prayers. My son said one afternoon during my visit, "I'm done, Mom. Thanks for all you did to try and help me. I won't drink again." I knew in my heart that we were through the worst of the storm. God knew when enough was enough and let my son experience the depths of hell to ensure he wouldn't return to that lifestyle.
I had reconciled that I would experience a death of a child at one point. God thought otherwise. When you're tempted to give up on a loved one, think of me. Do not give up on that person you love. As long as you continue to believe, God can keep working. Your love and patience may be exactly what they need to make a complete turnaround.
God is love and he never gives up on us. Let's choose to live with the same attitude. Believe in the power of love and let it transform your life.
This Week's Meditation:
Teach me to trust your love
Pray:
Help me to realize that you are there with your love always.
Teach me to trust that you know what that person needs.
Remind me that you are with me every step of the way.
Meditate on this for several minutes a day. Allow various thoughts to come into your mind. And realize God has you in his arms always
1 Corinthians 13:8
"Love never fails (never fades out or becomes obsolete or comes to an end)."
There are times you may just want to give up on someone you love.
But, you must remember that love never fails. God never wants us to give up on one and other. The apostle Paul describes what love is in 1 Corinthians 13 and mentions that love always believes the best; it is positive and filled with faith and hope. While Jesus was on earth, He gave a new commandment to His followers: that we love one another (John 13:34). I believe that walking in love should be the main goal of every Christian even when its easier said then done.
Several years ago, the son I grew up with, John, began drinking excessively. He had moved out on his own and came into some adversity from life. He lost his job and came down with a chronic illness.
As a parent the first thing that hits your mind is how can I help and protect? You just can't stand the thought that there may be nothing you can do at the moment. So, you try anyway. But, you know deep down inside, when your children turn to adults; you must place that faith at God's feet and hope that everything will be taken care of.
Nonetheless, some days; unfortunately, it doesn't help. You keep interceding and nothing works in your favor. You begin questioning yourself: How did this start? When did it start? How could I have prevented it? Sadly, there are no viable answers that answer that call.
I had just awakened to the fact, after many years of this grief, that I may lose my son and there wasn't a thing I could do on my end. How do you prepare for a child's death? You don't. It just grows and festers becoming more dark and unsightly in your heart as the days go on.
The drinking became worse and the illness reared its ugly head deeper into his being until he was shut off from the outside world in a lone apartment by the sea. We gave up on family parties and get togethers because he was unable to come out. He wouldn't answer the phone and refused to return calls.
One stormy day I rose in the morning with a terrible uneasy feeling. Something was wrong with my child. I knew in my heart that this was an impending downfall he may not recover from. I drove the 30 minutes and banged on the door incessantly until he answered. When he did, he was scooting along the floor unable to stand upright any longer. Oh! if I could just collapse and no longer live this grief!
But, pulled myself together and reconciled the situation on his terms. No, he did not want me to cart him to the emergency room in a drunken stupor. Yes, he would ask a friend to take him the next day.
That night was long and dark with sleeplessness. But, the following morning he made it to the emergency room. It was four weeks in the hospital: plasma transfusions, liver deterioration, and others.
After the first week, God answered my prayers. My son said one afternoon during my visit, "I'm done, Mom. Thanks for all you did to try and help me. I won't drink again." I knew in my heart that we were through the worst of the storm. God knew when enough was enough and let my son experience the depths of hell to ensure he wouldn't return to that lifestyle.
I had reconciled that I would experience a death of a child at one point. God thought otherwise. When you're tempted to give up on a loved one, think of me. Do not give up on that person you love. As long as you continue to believe, God can keep working. Your love and patience may be exactly what they need to make a complete turnaround.
God is love and he never gives up on us. Let's choose to live with the same attitude. Believe in the power of love and let it transform your life.
This Week's Meditation:
Teach me to trust your love
Pray:
Help me to realize that you are there with your love always.
Teach me to trust that you know what that person needs.
Remind me that you are with me every step of the way.
Meditate on this for several minutes a day. Allow various thoughts to come into your mind. And realize God has you in his arms always
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