The Lost and Prodigals Are Never Beyond Hope
Nothing is impossible for God. So why, when adversity strikes, do we struggle with worry and fear? Our creator, the Creator of the Universe, has promised to be our refuge, our strength, and our help.
“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” Psalm 46:1 (NKJV)
With faith, we remember who is in control. Faith acknowledges that God holds the reins in our spiritual race and that all things work together for the good of those who love Him.
“The mind of man plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps.” Proverbs 16:9 (NASB)
“Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” Hebrews 11:1 (NASV)
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.” Romans 8:28 (NIV)
So, what if our sorrow is due to the bad decisions of a loved one? Our actions affect others; there is a ripple effect. What if a spouse or child has walked away from Christ, or rebels to the point where we think they have gone past the point of no return? Is there such a place? What if the one we love refuses to accept that an all- powerful and loving God permits hardships and trials? Whether their storm is the consequence of their own making or His unrevealed will and purpose, they just can not accept that good can come from suffering, or that a loving God permits injury.
“As for God, His way is perfect; The Word of the LORD is proven; He is a shield to all who trust in Him.” Psalm 18:30 (NKJV)
“He is the Rock, His work is perfect; For all His ways are justice, a God of truth and without injustice; Righteous and upright is He.” Deuteronomy 32:4 (NKJV)
The devil would have us think that some sins are unforgivable. Weaving a web of deception, the father of all lies tries to convince us that by denying God’s existence or by living out a sinful lifestyle they have become his, permanently. That he is the victor. That our loved one has wandered so far from God he/she could never find his/her way back to Him. Or, that they are so adrift, they would never recognize the Shepherd’s voice calling them back to the light of salvation. Lies. All lies, and if we let our guard down hopelessness will creep in and rob us of our joy.
“ For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.” Luke 19:10 (NKJV)
“But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8 (NKJV)
“You are of your father the devil, and the desires of your father you want to do. He was a murderer from the beginning and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own resources, for he is a liar and the father of it.” John 8:44 (NKJV)
It is at this point when hopelessness tries to creep into our heart, that we must will ourselves to trust the promises of God. We battle the lies of the enemy with the truth of the living Word. The truth is that Christ became a man, suffered, died, and rose again for everyone. All of mankind is His creation, lovingly knit together in the womb of a mother. God’s desire is that all come to the saving knowledge of the truth.
“Who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.”
1 Timothy 2:4 (NKJV)
If there is a special person in our life who has rejected God, it does not mean they are beyond hope of repentance and reconciliation. Our God is a miracle worker. This present age often forgets this fact. Nothing is beyond the power of God. Things will happen in His timing, but His will is always accomplished. We may not our prayers come to fruition, or understand why certain things must play out, but all prayers are heard. All prayers are answered… according to the grace, mercy, and will of God.
“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.” Jeremiah 29:11 (NKJV)
“I know that You can do everything, and that no purpose of Yours can be withheld from You.” Job 42:2 (NKJV)
“Likewise, I say to you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.” Luke 15:10 (NKJV)
Have you doubted the power of God? Set aside your doubt and claim His promises.
Are trust issues causing you to questions God’s ability to act on the behalf of a lost soul?
Read. Read the Bible! You will find the necessary encouragement that will propel you into intercessory prayer. Nothing is too difficult for God, but He wants us to ask Him for help. Our God is big and mighty. Focus on that. He created this World and the eternal kingdom as well. We need only a mustard seed of faith to move mountains. With this tiny seed, we will accomplish much with Christ in us. It is not our responsibility to save others. That is God’s job. It is, however, our responsibility to stand in the gap. Keep praying and persevere. Do not lose hope. For with God, all things are possible.
“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (NKJV)
“I am the LORD, the God of all mankind. Is anything too hard for me?”
Jeremiah 32:27 (NKJV)
“But Jesus looked at them and said to them, ‘With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.’” Matthew 19:26 (NKJV)
“For with God, nothing will be impossible.” Luke 1:37 (NKJV)
“So Jesus said to them, ‘Because of your unbelief; for assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, “Move from here to there,” and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you.’” Matthew 17:20 (NKJV)
“Ah, Sovereign LORD, You have made the heavens and the earth by Your great power and outstretched arm. Nothing is too hard for You.” Jeremiah 32:17 (NKJV)
“ For God so loved the world that He gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16 (NKJV)