Prayer for my mother's husband

[Wayfarer]

I spoke to my mother on Sunday (9/24), and she brought me up to date on my Stepfather's medical condition.

A few months back she told me that the doctor's at the VA were concerned for his health. In 1999, he contracted TB while in Kuwait. Since then, his liver has begun to fail, yet he will not stop drinking.

When I spoke to Mom, she told me that his enzyme counts had tripled in 13 months and his body is showing all of the tell-tale signs of the sickness. Yet, he does not care. She said that since his two children (from his first marriage) died in 1999, he's given up the will to live, and since I walked out in 2003, he's gone further downhill.

This is the man who made my life hell for almost 14 years, yet when I spoke of him in Church on Sunday night, I broked down and cried. I didn't expect the emotions that I feel now. I am scared for him dying, because I know his sins, I know what he's done (to me and to others) over the past many years. I don't know if he believes in God anymore, and I don't know if he has made right in his soul for all his foul deeds.

I'm also scared for my mother. She's not been alone since she was 17 years old. I don't know what losing him would do to her.

Please, pray for us all in this time. I don't see my Stepfather making it through another year if he doesn't have the will to go on. I don't know if there's anything that can be done to ensure his salvation at this point, but that won't stop me from praying.

I guess the abused is ready to forgive the abuser. I just hope I'm not too late.

[Soldier4Christ]

I'm glad to hear that you are ready to forgive him sister. It is very important for the health and well-being of your own soul.

My prayers are with your entire family.

[Shammu]

Add my prayers too sister.

[airIam2worship]

Sister, it is very important that you have forgiven him, that is a very major step now your healing process can begin.

I would advice that if at all possible you take it a step further, first go to God in prayer to give you strength and secondly (this is the hardest step) go to your step father,  ( go in faith, ask God to be by your side) let the man know that you have forgiven him, that you have given all your cares and concerns to God and that God too is ready to forgive him. All he would have to do is ask God to forgive him, then sister you would have helped him find the way to his eternal healing thru the Lord Jesus Christ.

Sister, I've been hurt many times all of us have been, in many different ways different for each person depending on the circumstances, yet nonetheless hurtful feelings. Whether it is by family members, those we trust the most, friends or just aquaintences.  It has been my experience that some of the times that I have been hurt I have felt better after letting the person that has hurt me know that I have forgiven, and surprisingly enough it has helped me as much as it has the offender. Many times a person feels unworthy of forgiveness, and when they see that we are willing to forgive them, they are more apt to forgive themselves.

Not being able to forgive yourself for hurting someone is a major reason some people give up the will to live.

If you feel that you can't come face to face with him than maybe talk to him on the phone, the important thing is let him know you forgive him and you have released him and yourself from the hurt. The past cannot be undone, or changed but it can be forgiven.

My prayers are with you, your mom and your dad as well. Be strong sister, and seek God and above all pray.

Love in Christ,
Maria