But thus says the LORD: “ Even the captives of the mighty shall be taken away, and the prey of the terrible be delivered; for I will contend with him who contends with you, and I will save your children. Isaiah 49: 25, NKJV
Dear God, You know that as parents we become burdened over the salvation of our children. Please help us to rest in the knowledge, and the assurance, that only Jesus saves. Amen
It must be devastating for parents living with their families in countries that are ravished, or threatened, by war. Will my child become a statistic? Will we have to flee for our lives leaving behind us all the familiar things that we have come to love? What will be the after-effects of war on our children? Will our lives ever be the same again? These are only some of the thoughts that keep them awake during the night. It seems that Israel had gone through such a situation. Their rebellion had led to their captivity and suffering. But, when God’s children are willing to turn from their sins, “joy will come in the morning.” Praise God! No matter how dark the night, the sun will shine again!
God was about to turn their captivity. “Thus saith the Lord, In an acceptable time have I heard thee, and in a day of salvation have I helped thee: and I will preserve thee…” God would wipe out the effects of their captivity, “[T]hey shall bring thy sons in their arms, and thy daughters shall be carried upon their shoulders.” He would bring their children back home, and save them!
Many of us may not be living in the midst of a war of missiles and bombs, but all of us are in the midst of the sin war. God is willing to do the same for our children. He is willing to bring them back from the dark land of sin and suffering, and save them. No mistake on our part, nor any rebellion on the part of our children, represents a challenge for God’s grace! His grace is sufficient; for “where sin abounded, grace abounded much more!” We need to believe this; we need to preach this; we need to claim this; we need to embrace this; we need to live this! God’s grace is more than sufficient to cover a multitude of sins. “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”
His promise to save our children is there for the claiming! We are to pray to God about our children, agonize before Him, if necessary! Saint Augustine’s mother prayed for her son for more than 30 years, before the miracle of grace took place! How long have you been praying for your son and/or daughter? Do not give up! The darkest hour of the night is just before dawn.
If you have been weeping all night, expect your joy to come in the morning. God is not only able, He is also willing to “save to the uttermost all who come unto…Him!” Take your children to God in prayer, He has promised to save them; believe His promise!