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Many of us have experienced acute grief
when loved ones turn their back on following the Lord. Leaders feel
this pain particularly, fearing perhaps that the waywardness of
their children (or partner) will “nullify” their own testimony. No
wonder that God is calling so many to pray for “prodigals” (of
whatever age) to experience Holy Spirit conviction and to come back
home to the Lord.
Let no one pretend that this is
anything less than immensely challenging! Billy Graham once
commented that steering his son Franklin through his teen years was
the hardest challenge he ever faced. The compassionate ministry his
son has long been leading is testimony to the outstanding job he
did.
Not all of us are so successful. When
several of his sons showed alarming sexual tendencies, King David
showed himself uncharacteristically indecisive in dealing with them.
Quite possibly he held back from taking the firm steps that were
needed because his conscience was busy accusing him of being a
hypocrite.
The Lord had no intention of giving
up on David because of His “mistakes,” any more than He does when we
fall from grace in some way. At the same time, we cannot fail to
notice that David had opened the door for far-reaching troubles to
afflict his dynasty.18 Despite these, David was able to declare at
the end of his days:
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In my distress I cried
out to the Lord;
yes, I cried to my God for help.
He heard me from His sanctuary;
my cry reached His ears.
2 Samuel 22:7 |
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