We Can All Use Some Encouragement

I had a chat this weekend with a friend of mine, whom I've known for years is in a tough marriage. Her husband is an alcoholic who has had repeated run-ins with the law and neighbors, has made some perfectly awful financial decisions impacting his family, and struggles with anger management issues.

My friend has stayed in this marriage for various reasons, and I don't judge her. I do pity her. She deserves better. Her husband is nice enough on the surface but I've personally seen the way he's treated her, their home, and their children. Obviously, I don't like him very much, but I keep that to myself. And now, she and this man are trying to figure out how to avoid bankruptcy because of his poor decisions.

This morning, I was praying and felt led to pray for this man. I usually pray for his wife. Instead, I prayed for his salvation, for wisdom and self-control, and that the Lord would bless him.

The last surprised me, and it's a little hard to explain what the Lord wanted me to see from this unexpected request, but I'll try. Basically, the Father showed me that if I can care about someone who isn't very nice, much less deserving (since he is not a Believer), how much more then is the Father willing to bless me--His daughter who confesses Him as Savior. In fact, He is pleased to bless me. Just like I am happy and eager to bless my children, as an example. 

I don't know who needed to hear this today, but take it to heart.  You are not perfect. You are, indeed, deeply flawed. We all are. But the Father loves us with an everlasting love.

Lift up your head. Receive this good news. The Father is smiling over you and waiting for you to come chat with him. If you haven't yet today, I pray you will soon. He's great company!

I love you, my readers!