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Romans 12:19-20 – Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, "Vengeance is Mine, I will repay," says the Lord. (NKJV)
Due to dysfunction, disrespect, and violent behaviour, the police had to be called to remove a young adult family member from our home. Although the problem has existed for several years, it has recently escalated to the point where drastic measures had to be taken. This family member is loved dearly and has caused many tears and upsetting days in our household of three adults and four children. Peace was needed.
Through much heartache and anguish and many tears over the years, I wanted to know where God was and why He was not answering my prayers. I went to my bedroom angry with the Lord. I am grandma, and my grandchild had just broken my heart. How could he have changed so much that he became selfish, disrespectful, and full of anger, showing no remorse for hurting people? He had turned 21 a year ago, and was introduced to alcohol and drugs — the devil's tools, I am sure — and has become alienated from the family.
After what seemed like hours passing by, heartbroken, I was still talking angrily to God. I wanted to know why He had stopped loving us. Wasn't my family important to Him? What about the promise that He made to me years ago that all my children would know Him?
Isaiah 54:13 – All your children shall be taught by the Lord, and great shall be the peace of your children. (NKJV)
I pulled out my Bible; I wanted to know from God's Word what was happening. All hell seemed to be breaking loose on my family.
Through searching the Bible, the Lord reminded me who my enemy really was. We were not fighting against my grandson:
Ephesians 6:12 – For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. (NKJV)
The Lord then reminded me about the tools that he has given us to fight against these forces of evil. Ephesians chapter 6 lists the whole armour of God to prepare us for battle. As I remembered these things, I felt the peace of God that had been dormant for some time. I felt joy: No matter what things look like, I know that God is in control and it will all work out for good. After all, His love is greater than any love that exists.
If you are struggling today, feed on God's Word. Especially read Ephesians 6:10-20. May God bless you through His Word, today and every day!
Prayer: Father, guide our hearts today to trust You no matter what things may appear to be. You are still on the throne, and You are fully capable of handling any problem that we face. Thank You, Lord, for Your unconditional love. Thank You for the peace that only You can give during our struggles in life. Forgive our shortcomings and guide us into doing Your will. We release all to You, in Jesus' name. Amen.
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Thanks for the good word Ruth.
God bless you, Ruth. It will all work out in the end.
We wrestle against principalities and Powers of darkness.
… and a loud “Amen” to that!
Been there, done that and it’s still ongoing, but I have the “Peace that passes understanding” PTL!
(BC)
Thanks Ruth … Your story touches close to our home too. I have been studying and writing on spiritual warfare with regards on demonic activity against Christian. Blessings and prayers.
Praying for your family and you, my dear writing friend. Thanking God for His deliverance in your hour of need and praying for the wayward family member to be delivered and rescued from every evil. Blessings.
Good Morning Ruth,
In my years of experience it appears to me that no family is immune to suffering … some have more than others. The struggles of your grandson grieve those of us who know you as a fierce prayer warrior, and we will continue to pray for healing for him.
(Texas)
Hi Ruth,
Thank you for your writing this morning. I am struggling at the moment about some things going on in the Church, trying to be so all inclusive and I don’t know what to do about it.
I looked up the passage you mentioned and verse 12 is so revealing: We do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against spirtual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.
With that knowledge I will surge on doing the work of the Lord.
Blessings.
Dear Ruth, my heart breaks for you and your family. My son was such a problem child. For reasons similar to those of your family – violence, aggression, drugs etc, I had to remove him from our home when he was in his 20’s.
God is great and works in all things.
The message here is that I know, by God’s grace, that my son is safe and well and now I pray that God will remove his burden of anger against me. I pray that we may be reconciled some day; hope is eternal with the Lord.
Blessings and peace to your family.
Thank you Ruth. This was a good reminder for all of us.
Blessings.
Thank you Ruth for these thoughts that are so appropriate for my family situation. God is in control and our source of peace in all circumstances.
Dear Ruth,
Thank you for sharing such a painful experience. Feeling hurt by someone we love can be one of life’s worst experiences. But GOD…
He heard you and felt your pain and He led you to comfort through His word because He loves you as well as your grandson.
Thank you for sharing. I too have a grandson I pray for as he is caught up in the world of drugs and is presently receiving care. However only he can choose which direction to take when he is out on his own as he is considered an adult. I pray fervently for these young people who get caught up in the devil’s net. Hopefully things will take a positive turn for all involved.
I appreciate your reminder of Ephesians and the whole armour of God. You are a tireless Ambassador of prayer for your family as I have noted through the Daily Devotions. You are an inspiration to others! Blessings!