Shelter In the Time of Storm

 Casting all your care upon Him; for He careth for you. I Peter 5:7

This holiday season has had its ups and downs. But I remain grateful for the love of family. 

I need to share this Praise Report: 

As I have shared, my oldest child has been homeless the last couple months, couch surfing, battling alcoholism and resistant to coming to live with me in the Midwest. 

After staying with family a few days over Christmas, yesterday he chose to return to the streets. 

There had been strife between us & I have felt the enemy trying to get me to turn against him and stop praying for him, but I will not.

I felt a huge, painful void as I watched him walk out of the door and slowly down the street, wearing all black, with most of his belongings in his backpack.

Again, as a parent, as a Mom, I never foresaw this. You just don't picture your beloved children out in the elements, hungry, weary, sneaking into buildings or vacant cars or a public restroom for a few moments to shut their eyes. These are experiences he has shared with me.

Adult children are just that: adults. We cannot make them do anything.

I cannot take away the depression, the ADHD, the substance use and addiction.

I cannot fix his problems. I can't shield him from the world. 

But the God I serve is well able to do that and more.

 Before bed last night, the Holy Spirit quietly told me to lay hands on the clothes he left behind.

 I did and I prayed, and I hugged those clothes tight.

 He led me to also pray for other prodigal children and young adults who are homeless.

Keep in mind that I didn't know when I would see him again...

 Then I laid the clothes on the mattress that he had slept on in the basement at my sister's. 

I woke at 4 a.m. and listened to a sermon full of powerful Bible teaching on YouTube, wide awake, taking notes and being encouraged.

Before 6 a.m., while I was still soaking up the Word on TV, my son quietly let himself in the house, and humbly walked down the stairs where I was. He laid on that mattress and went to sleep.

 I am so grateful that the Lord touched him  to return and he is here safe.

I don't know what will happen after today, but I trust and believe that Our Savior Jesus is doing a new thing in our adult children, to know the Lord and to walk in their purpose. 

I praise God for this new day and New Year. 

May we proceed in 2024 using the God-given weapons of our warfare. 

To God be the glory forever. 

Father God, thank You for seeing my tears and hearing my cries. I am just one of many parents concerned about the well being of our adult children. We will continue to lift them up to You in prayer, and also lay them at the feet of Jesus.You did not promise a life without struggle, but I thank You that You do promise to be with us. May You be glorified. In the name of Jesus, Amen.