A Most Difficult Trial
His sons used to hold feasts in their homes on their birthdays, and they would invite their three sisters to eat and drink with them.When a period of feasting had run its course, Job would make arrangements for them to be purified. Early in the morning he would sacrifice a burnt offering for each of them, thinking, “Perhaps my children have sinned and cursed God in their hearts.” This was Job’s regular custom. Job 1:4-5
Job rose early to consecrate his kids to God because he knew they were sinners. By faith he plead with God on their behalf that He might show them mercy. When news of their deaths came, he said, “What I feared has come upon me; what I dreaded has happened to me.” (Job 3:25)
I can’t bear the thought of my unsaved kids being in hell. Contemplating an endless eternity without them brings the deepest sorrow to my heart. I’ve spent many days in anguish and tears concerning them. I believe I would change places with them if I could.
Fellow pilgrim, I want to encourage you in this most difficult trial. I feel your pain and understand your fears. I pray you leave this great burden at His feet who said, “Cast all your burdens upon Me.”
Remember your own testimony and how you were saved. Apart from God having an interest in you, you would have never come to Him. “We love Him because He first loved us”. Even so, God must initiate this interest in our children. (No one seeks after God, no not one…)
He is the One whom they have sinned against and offended, and He alone must pardon them.
We have great hope to trust in God for our children since He is long-suffering showing mercy to thousands.
He saves the ungodly and undeserving, delivering them from the kingdom of darkness into His kingdom of light.
Let’s pray often for our lost children, that in His graciousness and kindness, He would grant them repentance and faith to believe in His dear Son. He died for sinners amongst whom they most certainly qualify.
“Lord Jesus, thank you for our children. You gave them to us to bring them up and to teach them about You. We praise you for your mercy and kindness to us sinners. We pray for the ones you have given to us. You knew that we would love them, so we ask You to pardon them for Your own purpose and grace and not according to their deeds.”
