#35 Tears. Thoughts from the Back Deck...

I But let all who take refuge in you rejoice;
    let them ever sing for joy,
and spread your protection over them,
    that those who love your name may exult in you.
—Psalm 5:11

My prayer for my kids growing up was that they would always walk with the Lord. 
... it's still my prayer. It will probably be my prayer until the day I die. 

I love to boast in the Lord as I look around and see what God is doing in people's lives. 

Yet I also know it is sometimes we can't see where God is working. As a pastor, I have had many tearful moments with parents and grandparents who have been praying for years that their kids/grandkids would return to following the Lord. 
Tears of pain.
Tears of regret as questions abound. 
Tears of misunderstanding.
Tears of loneliness.
Tears of fear.
Tears of uncertainties.

Has God given up on them? Is God hearing the prayers for their children? Where is the refuge? Where is the joy? Where is the protection? 

A gentleman I know reminded me that a thimble full of God's grace is as good as an ocean of His grace. 

Our children belong to the Lord. God will not abandon. The Holy Spirit is at work. If you are concerned about your kids and their walk, trust in the Lord. Take refuge in the Lord. Rejoice in the Lord. Let how you continue to live out your life be a continuous witness to the Lord that He will use. Your life, despite the friendships your kids have, the music they listen to, the books they read, the TV shows they watch and the world's loud shouts... is a bigger witness than all these things. 

God has this. God has you. God has your kids!

Peace out,
Andy

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