Post by MIRIAM JACOB on Nov 16, 2007 6:00:02 GMT -5
A HEAVENLY AFFIRMATION
by Max Lucado
Each of us has a fantasy that our family will be like the Waltons, an
expectation that our dearest friends will be our next of kin. Jesus
didn’t have that expectation. Look how he defined his family: “My true
brother and sister and mother are those who do what God wants” (Mark
3:35).
When Jesus’ brothers didn’t share his convictions, he didn’t try
to force them. He recognized that his spiritual family could provide
what his physical family didn’t. If Jesus himself couldn’t force his
family to share his convictions, what makes you think you can force
yours?
We can’t control the way our family responds to us. When it comes to
the behavior of others toward us, our hands are tied. We have to move
beyond the naive expectation that if we do good, people will treat us
right. The fact is they may and they may not—we cannot control how
people respond to us.
I can’t assure you that your family will ever give you the blessing
you seek, but I know God will. Let God give you what your family
doesn’t. If your earthly father doesn’t affirm you, then let your heavenly
Father take his place.
God has proven himself as a faithful father. Now it falls to us to be
trusting children. Let God give you what your family doesn’t. Let him
fill the void others have left. Rely upon him for your affirmation and
encouragement. Look at Paul’s words: “You are God’s child, and
God will give you the blessing he promised, because you are his child”
(Gal. 4:7, emphasis added).
[And] don’t lose heart. God still changes families.
_______________________________
From He Still Moves Stones
Copyright (W Publishing Group, 1999) Max Lucado
www.maxlucado.com
by Max Lucado
Each of us has a fantasy that our family will be like the Waltons, an
expectation that our dearest friends will be our next of kin. Jesus
didn’t have that expectation. Look how he defined his family: “My true
brother and sister and mother are those who do what God wants” (Mark
3:35).
When Jesus’ brothers didn’t share his convictions, he didn’t try
to force them. He recognized that his spiritual family could provide
what his physical family didn’t. If Jesus himself couldn’t force his
family to share his convictions, what makes you think you can force
yours?
We can’t control the way our family responds to us. When it comes to
the behavior of others toward us, our hands are tied. We have to move
beyond the naive expectation that if we do good, people will treat us
right. The fact is they may and they may not—we cannot control how
people respond to us.
I can’t assure you that your family will ever give you the blessing
you seek, but I know God will. Let God give you what your family
doesn’t. If your earthly father doesn’t affirm you, then let your heavenly
Father take his place.
God has proven himself as a faithful father. Now it falls to us to be
trusting children. Let God give you what your family doesn’t. Let him
fill the void others have left. Rely upon him for your affirmation and
encouragement. Look at Paul’s words: “You are God’s child, and
God will give you the blessing he promised, because you are his child”
(Gal. 4:7, emphasis added).
[And] don’t lose heart. God still changes families.
_______________________________
From He Still Moves Stones
Copyright (W Publishing Group, 1999) Max Lucado
www.maxlucado.com