MORNING MANNA         2/26/20

As Christians we would be in a pitiful condition if we had no desire to help others. Sadly some who profess salvation are in that state. However, for the most part, Christians are the most caring and helpful people in the world. I can’t imagine what the world would be like without their influence. But, as much as we would like to help some folks we simply can’t – at least not in the way or to the extent that we desire. Just about every parent knows what I’m talking about. We want the best for our children, but when they don’t know what is best for themselves or care about it, there is little we can do. We weep and pray, but their problems persist. They are in a hole and they make no effort to get out.

Sometimes as parents we must bear part of the blame. Had we prepared them as we should they would do better. But even when we’ve done our very best there are times when they will still go astray. Ultimately the choice is with them. It’s the same with all of us. At the root of the problem is their attitude toward God. If that is wrong we can’t expect anything else to be right. Sadly there are some who will try almost anything to better their situation except turn to God. They know the promises of God, but they refuse to meet the conditions, and they suffer the consequences. And we weep – hoping that someday they will come to their senses.

It might be someone other than a child that we are concerned about. It could be a spouse, a parent, a relative, a coworker, a friend, or a neighbor. Some of you are thinking of a name right now. Someone you love is hurting and you grieve because you care. You want to help, but they resist the kind of help they need. Don’t give up! I’m not saying empty your bank account supporting them. You can’t help some people by “helping” them. Doing so just enables them to keep failing. When I say, Don’t give up I mean don’t stop praying and loving them. Whatever you do don’t get bitter toward them. Chances are you’re where you are because someone didn’t give up on you. Now you do the same for someone else. It is only through loving them that we have a chance in seeing them change.- HDS

David Stone
Lakeway Baptist Church
5801 FM 1960 E
Humble, TX. 77346