Resting

I recently sat down with a parent who was grieving over her child's apathy towards the Gospel. I'm only 23, a grad student, and obviously not a parent. No amount of surmising or pretend empathy could enable me to fully grasp her disappointment or sorrow. But I do think that Scripture offers a realistic and comforting perspective on parenting and perhaps evangelism, more generally. When you look at the kings of Israel and Judah, you see really good, righteous kings who have terrible, wicked sons, and vice versa! The most parents can do is to raise their children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord [Eph. 6], and then trust God to regenerate their hearts. [John 6]. Be faithful, and leave the rest to God.

Popular posts from this blog

Stress

Feeling stressed doesn't mean I'm working any harder. Let me remind myself: He is God, and there is none like Him, declaring the end from the beginning and from ancient times things not yet done, saying, “My counsel shall stand, and I will accomplish all my purpose.” [Isaiah 46:10]. My anxiety and effort could never frustrate God's sovereign will.
Read more

Trials

Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were thrown in a fiery furnace because they refused to worship the gold statute King Nebuchadnezzar built. God did not deliver them from the furnace. But He was with them, literally in the furnace  with them. Trials in life will come. God does not promise a life of comfort. One need only consider how 11 of 12 apostles were martyred to understand the costliness of following Christ. But come what may, God will never leave or forsake us. [Hebrews 13:5]. He is with us, until the end of the age. [Matt. 28:20].
Read more

Hurt and Forgiveness in Friendship

I was really frustrated with a good friend for not making time for me. I knew that she was very busy studying for finals. I knew that she had not done well earlier in the quarter, and was struggling to stay afloat in her classes. I knew she was not intentionally brushing me off. But I was bitter at what I felt was unreciprocated effort. I begrudged her for not prioritizing spending time with me, even though she was really just being a responsible student. I was even more annoyed, given that she was about to graduate in a few weeks. I felt like I was always the one reaching out to make plans to hang out in the remaining short time, even though I was extremely busy myself at the time. I was juggling five classes, leading three organizations at the law school, on the board of a journal, and serving on the Graduate Student Council myself. If I could find time to hang out, why couldn't she? My self-righteous frustration led me speak harsh words the day before she left. I regret my words...
Read more