Dec 01 2007
A Heavenly Affirmation
Each of us has a fantasy that our family will be like the Waltons, an expectation that our dearest friends will be our next of kin. Jesus didn’t have that expectation. Look how he defined his family: “My true brother and sister and mother are those who do what God wants” (Mark 3:35).
When Jesus’ brothers didn’t share his convictions, he didn’t try to force them. He recognized that his spiritual family could provide what his physical family didn’t. If Jesus himself couldn’t force his family to share his convictions, what makes you think you can force yours?
We can’t control the way our family responds to us. When it comes to the behavior of others toward us, our hands are tied. We have to move beyond the naive expectation that if we do good, people will treat us right. The fact is they may and they may not—we cannot control how people respond to us.
I can’t assure you that your family will ever give you the blessing you seek, but I know God will. Let God give you what your family doesn’t. If your earthly father doesn’t affirm you, then let your heavenly Father take his place.
God has proven himself as a faithful father. Now it falls to us to be trusting children. Let God give you what your family doesn’t. Let him fill the void others have left. Rely upon him for your affirmation and encouragement. Look at Paul’s words: “You are God’s child, and God will give you the blessing he promised, because you are his child” (Gal. 4:7, emphasis added).
[And] don’t lose heart. God still changes families.
by Max Lucado
That really touched my heart. thank you for the daily scripture.
THIS IS EXACTLY WHAT I NEEDED TODAY! WHAT A BLESSING !
Thanks so much. It was fantastic.
This has helped me to better understand this issues of faith and family. Somehow, these weekend devotionals always seem to speak to whatever I am struggling with.
Sometimes God talks to us through other people. He gives them the words we need to hear…your words are just what I needed. God bless.
What a timely message, with all of the family gatherings I am obligated to go to this time of year. To my knowledge, I am the only committed Christian in my family and it is a challenge to go to family gatherings year after year that do not honor God in their conversations and activities-especially the amount of drunkenness and immodest clothing that is often present.
Please pray for me?
thank you and God bless you.
Good Day to All,
This is truly a blessing: “A Heavenly Affirmation”
As Mary stated above- “Mary: on 01 Dec 2007 at 5:55 pm
“Sometimes God talks to us through other people. He gives them the words we need to hear”
Sometimes the people, that aren’t spiritually affirmed, are the ones that embrace our spiritual being. As long as we (spiritual family) along with Gods guidance- are in belief, following the word of the Lord, and continue to express God’s goodness and beyond; we are fulfilling our spiritual destiny through Christ. The only thing we can do to bring our families to that level is to pray and be there for them in hopes that one day they are filled with the richness that God has bestowed upon us.
Peace and Blessings
Lureka
This is so tuned to the family problems I’m having. My family doesn’t get together and really don’t like each other much. I know that the lord is with me because he gets me through this, and I get messages like this one to prove it!!
Peace,
Debbie
Wonderful!!
Its comforting to know that no matter how much you are betrayed by your friends and/or family, there is always going to be someone by your side. Love and peace!