(I took this picture because I noticed how much my vacuum cleaner cord looked like a heart. I kind of thought it was relevant to this post because one end of it was plugged in to the outlet and the other end was in the vacuum cleaner...and in the middle was this heart -well, you decide if it is relevant.)"Love is patient, love is kind...bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things."
1 Cor. 13:4,7
What do you do when a sister in the Lord falls away, or more like, turns away from God? When they turn their back on everyone and everything they once held dear, and choose a life of sin instead. When all common ground - the ground you once walked with them - is gone, and the path is no longer visible to the eye. When they no longer allow you to call them sister or friend, and close the door on your heart. Do you cry...question God...pray? What do you do? This happened to me just recently. Someone I care for very much, turned and walked away. She didn't just walk away from me, she walked away from others too, and even worse, she walked away from God. I know if my heart hurts this much, His heart must be breaking. I also know He will never give up on her, He will always love her, and so must I.
I'm going to pray for her, especially now when she will not pray for herself. I want to remain a faithful sister and friend by interceding before the throne of Grace on her behalf, remembering that the Bible says love is patient and kind, and it never gives up (1 Corinthians 13). I heard a speaker just recently say that interceding for someone in prayer is like putting one hand on their shoulder, and the other on God. So at this time when my friend cannot, or will not draw near to Him, I'll stand in the gap and pray with one hand stretched out to her and the other to God. In that way, I'll hold her ever so close to both of us, even though she is far away.
you pray . . . and you wait, because she will need you.
ReplyDeletewhen she does, you will have His perfect welcome home.
God bless you.
ReplyDeleteDr. Adrian Rogers always said the most miserable person in the world is not a lost person but a Christian who strayed away from the Lord. I have always found out in my life that I let them know I love them and am still their friend. Leave the door open. I try to not act like I am their Holy Spirit. I leave that up to my Lord. Say less and pray more. I love that verse that says we stand in gap for them.
ReplyDeleteWhat a touching post. The love you have for your friend is very evident.
ReplyDeleteIt is always so sad when someone walks away especially when you see them walking away from God. Your friend doesn't know how blessed she is to have you for a friend interceding for her. I hope you will hang in there and not give up. Sometimes it is darkest just before the dawn. I love your creative thinking about the vacuum cleaner cord. Thank you for sharing your heart with us.
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Charlotte
It is so sad, but just like you said, pray and pray some more for her. That is what friends do, we just pray for each other.
ReplyDeleteYou are a good friend, she will need you one of these days.
I love the explaination of intercessory prayer. I've never heard it put that way. It does hurt, but I admire your response--to pray. That way when she returns you will be able and eager to receive her.
ReplyDeleteHi Charlotte,
ReplyDeleteI think when we see those we know and care about turn away, it helps to remember the extent of God's grace is often experienced through our willingness to be an intecessor. To demonstrate love and grace, even when it means rejection. I do not know what your friend will do tomorrow, but I believe you have chosen the path that will not fail.
The power of prayer is life changing.
Blessings and peace.
MTJ
Pray and breathe and believe in them.
ReplyDeleteHow blessed she is and doesn't know it. But God does and he will direct this play just as He intends to and will bless you for loving and praying for her. Mollye
ReplyDeleteI think your doing the best ever,pray! This is sad but the Lord will work in her heart.
ReplyDeleteGod Bless,
Ginger
Powerful post! I like the picture of your cord. It relates very well to your good post.
ReplyDeleteThis is a tough one...I sadly have experienced it with one friend too. She continues to be in my prayers.
ReplyDeleteCharlotte,
ReplyDeleteI wanted you to know that I have awarded you The Versatile Blogger Award! I appreciate your inspiration and I am very excited when I see that you have posted! You can go to this link for your award!
http://monicaelaine1.wordpress.com/2011/02/25/the-versatile-blogger-award/