Love Enough To Let Go

In the message "Their Field of Pigs" we considered the parable of the
prodigal son and were encouraged to remember that God will use every
tool available (even pigs) to draw His children Home. Our highest
desire for our children must be to see them secure in the arms of
God. Notice that in this parable there's no mention of the father
between the time the son left and when he returned home. The father
appears to have watched his son leave and then simply waited for his return.

The father must have known of his son's condition while away; "this
son of mine was dead and is alive again" (Luke 15:24). There must
have been many reports of the son's activities which were openly
discussed with the rest of the family: "The older brother became
angry...'this son of yours who has squandered your property with
prostitutes comes home'" (Luke 15:28,30). And yet, while the son was
away, the father never once stepped in to "rescue" him.

Was the father lazy and uncaring? Was this simply the product of a
macho culture that didn't show much emotion? Or was this a father
who knew how God's grace could work a difficult situation toward a
wonderful good?

James 1:2-4
"Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many
kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops
perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be
mature and complete, not lacking anything."

We often reference this passage during times of personal
trial. These verses encourage us to understand the purpose of our
difficult times and to trust God so fully that we actually rejoice
because we know He is using our trials to make us complete.

Many of us understand and at least try to apply these verses in our
own life. But it's an additional step of faith (a very big step) to
trust and apply these verses in the life of others - especially those
we dearly love. If we are to rejoice in our own trials because of
the good being worked within us, there is also a sense in which we
should rejoice in the trials of others.

As painful as it must have been, the father allowed God to complete
His work - even though it meant his son would actually long to eat
with the pigs! And yes, this father loved his son.

When someone we love goes astray, let's continue to lift them up in
prayer; always let them know they are loved and continually speak a
gentle message of truth. Let's NEVER give up hope, but let's allow
God to finish the glorious work He's begun. Let's trust Him above
ALL else and love enough to let go.

Have a Great Day!

Steve Troxel
God's Daily Word Ministries

*****************************************************
Archive of previous devotions : http://www.gdwm.org/archive07.htm

Subscribe/Unsubscribe by email to closerwalk@gdwm.org
Subscribe via web: http://www.gdwm.org/subscribe.htm

Feedback and Prayer: http://gdwmboard.org/6/ubb.x
Send Invitation: http://www.gdwm.org/invite.htm
Verses and Psalms: http://www.gdwm.org/verses
Spanish Devotions: http://www.gdwm.org/spanish

Mail from GDWM is only sent to those who subscribe (free of cost) or
by invitation from friends. Please unsubscribe if these messages are
no longer desired. We absolutely do not support unsolicited E-mail.

Scripture references: The Holy Bible: New International Version.
Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society.

God's Daily Word Ministries
P.O. Box 190
Lorena, TX 76655
*****************************************************