Friday, May 6, 2011

A Mother's Joy


 I have no greater joy than this, to hear of my children walking in the truth. III John 4 NAS
There was a season in my life when I prayed unceasingly for the “desires of my heart.” Those desires were to have children someday. After a grueling nine-year wait, and learning first to surrender my will to His, we had our first child—a daughter—followed by a son five years later.
Before they were born I spent a lot of time on my knees praying for their development and safe delivery. Little did I know, my prayer time had barely begun. During their infancy and early childhood, I prayed over every tear, sniffle and scraped knee. As they entered school I prayed for their safety, teachers and friends. Teenage years brought new and desperate prayers as I began to let go, experiencing what felt like my heart venturing out in the world without me there to protect it. All of these prayers were laced with praise for the One who loves them even more than I.
Now, years later, I find that I am still praying for my children, and always will be. The continued desire of my heart is for them to know, love and serve Jesus; to put aside the “old self” and allow God’s love to make them new creatures in Christ. I pray for them to experience the extreme joy and freedom that basking in His love gives; joy unspeakable, joy that cannot be dimmed by the world or circumstances—joy as they discover His will for their lives.


Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for answering my prayers with two wonderful children. Thank You for the joy of communing with You daily, as I continue to lift them up in prayer. Amen.
                     
© 2011 Bonnie M. Evans

1 comment:

Christy said...

One of the great parts of MCC Writers is that we are a group of women praying constantly for family and friends together. Warmly and meaningfully stated.