NEVER TOO HARD FOR THE LORD.

    Hard-hearted John contrasted with his tender-hearted mother. Her greatest desire was to acknowledge Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour.  She grieved when unconverted John left for army service. John trained well, and soon gained promotion, becoming known as the most severe sergent-major in the unit.

    God is no respecter of persons. His love and grace are acceptable to all who accept His salvation through Jesus Christ.  One night John saw a Disney cartoon of hell.   Suddenly a strong sense of Hell’s darkness and the sin of his own heart overwhelmed him.  He knew he was a sinner.  His memory played no tricks.  He realised his unfair treatment to his unit, often in sheer anger. Too well he knew his own mind, and the evil thoughts that dallied there. The solemn awareness that his sin would one day find him out brought John to his Saviour in repentance and faith, with a complete conversion from which he never wavered.

    However, consider the faithful mother who prayed for her boy. After John’s conversion he wrote to tell his mother the joyful news.  Sadly, it was too late.  In the intervening days the dear mother died before the letter arrived, and she went home to the Lord whom she trusted as in faith, she prayed for the conversion of her boy, John.

    John arrived home on leave grief-stricken, unable to share with his mother the joy of his salvation and peace with God.  As he entered the old home, tears coursed down his cheeks as he looked through the rooms, half expecting to find his mother.  He walked through the sitting room, where photos lined the walls.  Down through the hall, over the faded old carpet, and finally into his mother’s bedroom.   He strode across to the table where he found her bible. A book-mark peeped from between the pages and without a moment’s hesitation, John opened the Bible where the book-mark lay at the psalms.

    John read.  Thoughtfully, and with great emotion, he held the book closer and read again the notes that his mother penned at the margin opposite a psalm.  ‘I claim this, with tears, for my son, John. I know my prayer will be answered.  Thank you, Lord.’  The tears fell on the page, as John read again the Psalm 126, especially the last verse, ‘ He who goes out weeping, carrying seed to sow, will return with songs of joy, carrying sheaves with him.’  ( Psalm 126:6)

    This precious promise comforts and challenges those who mourn over loved ones still out of Christ.  The good seed of God’s Word watered by prayer and the tears of longing reap God’s bountiful harvest.  Sometimes the answer is seen on the earthly side – sometimes from the heavenly home, as with John’s mother. 

    Do not be discouraged.  Our Lord has His own harvest time.  He has made the promise–you are to sow with tears–plant a seed – and reap the sheaves with joy.

    We accepted the challenge to pray for our six children three times a day.  And after each marriage and then the grand-children and their marriage partners, and one great grandson, we enjoy the privilege of praying for 33 family members.     Share your family prayers with Gwenda