CRASH!
We just returned from a Spring Break trip with our sons. It was an amazing week! We had so many great moments (of praise!)...that I was completely prepared and anxiously awaited the moment I would share with you how things have suddenly changed for my prodigal. He was a complete joy to be with. He was such a gentleman...fun to be with, no raging, no rollercoaster rides of emotion; the only rollercoaster we took was the HULK at Universal Studios! I praised God...with every step we took in Orlando...for the work He has begun in my prodigal. I couldn't believe the ease we all felt being together. I took this photo, specifically in front of the Twister ride at Universal....for the moment I would wax eloguently about the calm after a long storm!
There were so many great moments: watching my two boys interact and engage with one another again, having family meals together...laughing, reminicing, and planning; each causing such gratitude for this welcome reprieve. By Day 7, on the airplane trip home--I began to believe my "standing in the gap" days were over. I could visualize his future.....it was sitting next to me in row 21, seat B!
CRASH! The fall was a long one. With one phone call it became crystal clear--his strongholds are not broken. Deep breath. Forcing my shoulders down from my earlobes, I am oh-so-familiar with this crashing feeling. What is different today, however, is I pray before I react. "Dear God, Thank you for the reprieve. Thank you for the work you have begun in his life. In the name of Jesus, I rebuke the strongholds that continue to grip my child's heart and mind." God is still at work. “For nothing will be impossible with God.” Luke 1:37
CRASH! Is the sound of the chains being removed from his heart! I will stand guard from my post--I know my place in this warfare. I have the assurance of the One who has already fought the fight. I know the conqueror personally. He does not fail. “God is our refuge and strength, an ever present help in trouble.” Psalm 46:1
CRASH! Is the sound of answered prayer! While humans disappoint, God does not! “…those who hope in me will not be disappointed.” Isaiah 49:23b
CRASH! Is the sound of VICTORY! While my wait may, in fact, be a little longer; the battle will be won. “In all things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.” Romans 8:37
CRASH! Is the sound of my continued resounding joy, for God is on the side of my battle! “Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart.” Psalm 37:4
8 comments:
This is such an upbeat post. I am so glad to have read it. Thank you for sharing.
By the way, we went to Universal in November and had a blast! Glad you enjoyed it.
hope you have great weekend!!
How very nice that you did have a break with your family.
Your writing is very vivid, brings to life the Words you live by. ;)
Thank you all for commenting! You bless me!
Nicole--as I mentioned on your blog--I wanted to share with you what I learned from my beloved Grandmother when I was only 5 years old. She died when I was 10--so she wasn't able to see the fruit of the seed she planted; but somehow I think her faith allowed her to see what would come.
I grew up with an alcoholic father. When I was five years old...I asked my Grandma one day what I needed to do for my Daddy to be saved. She held me close and told me the story of a woman she knew who prayed for 40 years for her husband to come to know the Lord....and one day...he accepted Jesus as his Savior. My Grandmother also asked me that day if I wanted to pray for my Dad....so we did. The year was 1959. Fast forward to 1987, 11 days before my father died of liver cancer at the age of 57...he accepted Jesus as his Savior. I'm not all that gifted in math...but I think that is only 28 years of praying and waiting! However, it must be noted...that God waited 57 years for that Prodigal to come home.
“The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” II Peter 3:9
God's promises are certain...we must keep praying!
:) Diane
Diane, I grew up in a home where both my father and my mother were alcoholics. I prayed for my family for years.
In their late fifties, they both stopped drinking completely. Addiction is a hard thing for the person who is addicted but equally as hard for the loved ones.
There's a program called Celebrate Recovery that when your son decides he wants help, has helped many people.
I will put your name down above my computer with a note 'pray for Diane's son'.
God loves your son, Diane.
Magnolia
Matt. 20:26
I am so glad that you are able to remember Who has the final say....and I am also glad that you had a true SPRING BREAK this past week...
God gave you this past week to let you know that He is working. He has not forgotten. We're all praying. Your miracle is on the way, girl!
First time to your site - and I have read every. single. word. Wow. I'm so encouraged by your attitude and your faithfulness. A few years ago our former pastor did a series on adversity and recovery...it might be an encouragement to you and your family. :-)
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