Prayers for my parents and for guidance

[missy]

I have a couple of prayer requests. Could you please pray for my parents? My mother and father don't know the Lord. They have substance abuse problems that have been getting progressively worse, but in their circle of friends it is normal. I am really not sure how to handle this but I know that they need God's help, not just because of the drugs and alcohol but because they are lost sinners. I don't feel that I can approach my father at all anymore (he is very moody and can be verbally abusive) and my mother just goes with the flow.

I also need to ask you to pray for guidance with me because I am planning to move out sometime between now and the fall and everything is up in the air right now. I am finishing university in May and I don't have a clue where God wants to take me next. I am a bit confused and have some big decisions to make in the near future.

Thank you for your prayer... and God bless you.

[4him]

Hi Missy,

Sure, my wife and I will join with you in praying for your parents. It's challenging when one or both of your parents don't share your love for the Lord. May God melt their hearts and turn them towards Him. Also, we'll pray for guidance for you. Are you familiar with that passage in James, where it says that if we ask for wisdom from God he will give it to us liberally ? I believe if you follow what you know to be his revealed will, then in time he will reveal his purposes that have remained hidden for a time. His will is always connected with loving him, though I know what it's like to crave to know what the next step is that wants us to take. Also, Proverbs 3: 5,6 have been a comfort, at times when the way ahead is dark.

In Jesus,
John

[missy]

Thanks, John (and John's wife)!

[missy]

Oh, and to add to that... I have been talking with my pastor and other believers about how I can approach my parents about the issue with them drinking and driving. I have also spoken to an RCMP officer and asked his suggestions. But still, I am not really sure how to handle it. I feel like it is my responsibility to say or do something, but I want to approach it carefully. I need wisdom and guidance from the Lord.

[4him]

Hi Misty,

Sure, will definitely pray for this as well ! There are so many areas of life, where trying to resolve them on our own is impossible. Thank God- he knows what the answer is for this situation of yours. I am facing some situations like this, myself.

I love this passage from 2 Corinthians 4 :7-11

"7But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. 8We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; 9persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. 10We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body. 11For we who are alive are always being given over to death for Jesus’ sake, so that his life may be revealed in our mortal body."

In Jesus,
John