Forgiveness Awaits

Have you ever found yourself desperately praying for someone in a situation that seems helpless? Perhaps it’s a parent who isn’t following Jesus, a sibling struggling with addiction, or a close friend who is hurting. You pray, but nothing seems to be happening, except personal exhaustion. Your hope is sapping dry.

If this is you, Jesus’s invitation to you is to rest in Him (Matthew 11:28-30). God loves you and the person you are praying for. Through Jesus, you can pour out your burdens to our loving Father, who always listens. Remember, you are not the problem. And you are not the answer either. In many situations, people have to take personal responsibility to seek healing. You cannot hold yourself accountable for their problems, like divorce, addictions (alcohol, narcotics, gambling, pornography…), or if a person doesn’t put their trust in Jesus.

What you can do is ask for advice from trusted adults. There might be community groups or tools available to help the person in your life who is struggling. And know that God hasn’t forgotten your prayers. Remember, your safety is important to God and the people who love you. If you’re being dragged into a dangerous or complex situation, get help. Our world has been broken by sin, which is why society, people, and relationships break down. But as Christians, we have hope; Jesus will walk with us through these tough times, and we can extend this hope to others.

God cares deeply for the person you are praying for, and He loves you too. It’s okay that there’s a limit to what you can do. Sometimes you aren’t able to help or provide the right answer. In these times, you can rest in God’s love and leave it in His hands, knowing that the same God who rose Jesus from the grave is by your side, and He will one day restore all His people and all of creation to wholeness. • Cindy Lee

• Are you trying to help someone in a complicated situation, or are you in one yourself? Who is a trusted adult, such as a teacher, pastor, counselor, or relative who could help you? If you need someone to talk to, you can set up an appointment for a one-time complimentary phone consultation with a Christian counselor through the Focus on the Family Counseling Service. In the United States, call 1-855-771-HELP (4357) weekdays 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. (Mountain Time) to set up an appointment. In Canada, book your appointment by calling 1-800-661-9800 between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. (Pacific Time) and ask to speak with the care associate.

For the Lord your God…will go with you; he will not leave you… Deuteronomy 31:6b (CSB)

Read Verses:

Ps.103.9-Ps.103.13|Luke.23.32-Luke.23.43|Ps.80.19