For the moms and dads who have submitted prayer requests here,
I want to share the short version of a testimony. I hope it blesses you. When my youngest son was 13, I accepted Jesus. That same year, he began using drugs, although I didn't know it until he was 16.
Face to the floor, I pleaded with my Father praying these verses, Heb 4:16, Eph 6:12, II Cor:3-5 and Rom 8:26. For three months, I cried my eyes out and prayed earnestly as if he lay in a hospital emergency room. I sought desparately for a trustworthy, mature-in-the-Lord, minister of God who would father my son and show him the love of Jesus. Long story short, that happened but my son ran away from the pastor. From age 17 until 20, he was on the streets. During those three years, I learned alot about spiritual warfare and intercession. Also, I began to practice the action of praising God in every situation just as Acts 16:25,26 and Phil 4:4-7 encourage us to do. Sometimes praise was a sacrifice offered to our Lord. Other times, it was a joy just to trust Him.
Then, last fall, my son fell to, once again, suicidal days. At this same time, my oldest son was serving in the military in Iraq. Both sons were in a war and I knew it. In November 2004, my son was in the depths of suicidal issues. At that time, the Lord instructed me to stop pleading, but to praise and give glory to Him for being in the situation. (For both sons!) My youngest son became homeless on 12-24-04 and God told me to do nothing about his housing.
On Christmas morning, my son invited me to go play golf with him. I had never been on a golf course, but of course, I went (to pull the golf bag and follow along). He was still so "down" that his speach was gutteral but he admitted that he had moved in with the minister. I literally followed my 20 year old young son through 18 holes and prayed and praised God in my heart, still not knowing how he was with God. I didn't dare ask for I had learned not to push. There is a time for that, but wisdom told me to keep quiet and to let the Holy Spirit draw my son to Him.
Within two weeks, my son spoke the words to me that he had accepted Jesus! Now, six months later, my son has prayed many times--for me!
He has grown into a strong man of God who is reaching out to his friends left behind in drugs.
He still lives with the pastor and there are other strong men of God within my church who continue to bless him with their discipleship. I am comforted to know that he has the mentoring of mature men of God who live the Christian life with honor. Moreover, my son enjoys knowing and living in the presence of the Lord! By the way, my first born son came back from Iraq safe and sound, with several testimonies of his own.
Those years when my youngest was not saved were not spent in isolation. I needed sisters in the Lord like never before. A couple of sisters discipled me and many sisters joined me in intercessory prayer for both sons. So, I join you in your prayers.
One more thought, I've been a Christian just a little over six years and I still think the greatest miracle of Christianity is the love of Jesus. As I write this, I marvel at the thought that we are all of one mind in Christ Jesus, one Lord and Savior, and we can lift our hearts to the throne of our Abba Father for His mercy in our times of need. We can cast our cares upon Him for He cares for every one of us--and our children!
Love ya, selahjoy*
