Rest in the Promises: Worldwide Day of Prayer for Prodigals 10

This is another in a series of letters to those who have prodigals in their lives.  This is part 10 of the REST theme for this year’s Worldwide Day of Prayer for Prodigals on June 2.Dear Lover of Prodigals,God is a promise keeper.He has invited us to believe Him, to trust that He keeps His word:…since the promise of entering his rest still stands, let us be careful that none of you be found to have fallen short of it.( Hebrews 4:1)Sustain me, my God, according to your promise, and I will live; do not let my hopes be dashed. (Psalm 119:116)The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. (2 Peter 3:9)Sometimes it doesn’t seem like it like God is keeping his promises.Unfulfilled promises are exhausting.A few things we can know:  His answers rarely look like what we had in mind.  His plan is always better.  He is working on us even as he works on our prodigals.  He is up to something bigger and better.  And His timing is never our timing.Over the years with our prodigal, as I read Scripture and sought the Lord, I claimed promises from God for Josh.  Did God say, “This is a promise for Josh”?  Sometimes.  But usually the Scriptures reflected work God had done in history, or wanted to do in His children.  And I have over many years prayed these for our son.Have they all come true?  No, but some have.  Are the answers what I imagined? Not usually.  But is there strong evidence of God’s powerful work in His life, along the lines I have prayed?  Oh yes.There is rest in the Promises of God.Here are a few of the promises I have prayed and claimed for Josh.  Maybe they will be ones for you to hold on to as well.Before I was born the LORD called me; from my mother’s womb he has spoken my name.  He said to me, “You are my servant,… in whom I will display my splendor.” (Isaiah 49:1,3)Fear not, for I have redeemed you.  I have summoned you by name.  You are mine. (Isaiah 43:1)I have called you. I have chosen you and not rejected you. I will strengthen you and help you.(Isaiah 41:10)I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you.  I will put my Spirit in you and move you to follow my decrees. (Ezekiel 37:6)I will guide you and satisfy your needs. You will be called repairer of broken walls and restorer of streets with dwellings.(Isaiah 58:11-12)You can find other promises in God’s Word here.Our God keeps His Word.  Listen to this promise in 2 Corinthians 1:20:For no matter how many promises God has made, they are “Yes” in Christ.  And so through him the “Amen” is spoken by us to the glory of God.So rest in His promises.June 2 will be here in just over a week.  Be praying.  Post names of all wanderers you know who need prayer.  Be inviting others to join with us.  Determine how you should participate on June 2.So grateful for you and for our faithful Father,Judy DouglassFor more info on the June 2 Worldwide Day of Prayer for Prodigals, write to prayerforprodigalsatgmaildotcom.c 2011 Judy DouglassFirst <<     Prev <