How to Pray God's Word When Life Is HardSample

My daughter said something to me today that absolutely broke my heart. Recently, she's been making some bad choices. I explained to her that my job as her mother is to protect her because these choices hurt her. She continued to make them, so I had no choice but to give her consequences. I finally got exasperated and said to her, "I don't know what to do. I've already grounded you from TV, the tablet, and VR. Please, tell me, what am I supposed to do next?"

She looked at me and said in this quiet little voice, "Well, maybe you have to get rid of me." She didn't say it out of anger; she said it in this genuine sad voice because, in her sweet little heart, she thought maybe it would just be better. Maybe Mom can't keep forgiving me. Maybe Mom can't keep loving me.

It hurt my heart so bad that she would believe this. But, friends, I think that there are a lot of us that believe the same thing. We may think that our Father in Heaven cannot continue to forgive us for the bad choices we've made. That He can't keep loving us.

I'm here to tell you that is so, so far from the truth. When my daughter accepted our offer to adopt her, she became part of our family, and there is absolutely nothing that can separate her from us. There is nothing that she can do that can stop us from loving her. It is the same once you accept Jesus' offer to be adopted into His family. There is nothing that can separate you from Him. There is nothing that can stop Him from loving you.

When I explained this to my daughter, she ran into my arms, wrapped her arms around me, and I just held her. She didn't let go for several minutes, and neither did I. I want you to know that all it takes is a moment of repentance where you say, "Jesus, I'm sorry I did this. I want to come home," and He will accept you. He is waiting with His arms open wide. Run to Him. Let Him embrace you. Trust me, He won't let go.

Pray God's Word With Me

Lord, we know that you call us to be kind and compassionate, forgiving others just as you forgave us. Help us to let go of all bitterness, rage, and anger and give us the desire to love our enemies and forgive those who hurt us seventy times seven times. We choose to remember that our battles are not against flesh and blood but against spiritual forces of evil. Those who hurt us know not what they do so even though it is difficult right now, we pray that you bless them. Heal our hearts and give us compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience. We love you and thank you.