And His name will be the hope of all the world

Matthew 12:21

I woke up two mornings ago, and I was thinking about what our prodigals are missing at Christmas. As I got in the shower, my thoughts changed to how God feels about our prodigals this Christmas. I was thankful when verses began to come to my mind and a few words. God says:

Nothing has changed for I am the same yesterday, today, and forever (Heb 13:8)

Nothing can stop what I am about to do for My plans cannot be thwarted (Job 42:2)

I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with loving-kindness. I will build you up again and you will be rebuilt (Jer 31:3-4)

I am patient towards you. I am not slow in keeping my promises even it seems that way at times. I don't want anyone to perish. I am giving them time to repent (2 Pet 3:9)

I will not snuff out a burning wick even if it's only a spark. I will not crush the weakest reed (Is 42:3)

Nothing is impossible with Me (Lk 1:37)

As I continue to pray for prodigals to return home to the Lord, I am increasingly aware that some that we think once knew Jesus never really did. They are only prodigals in the sense that they grew up hearing about Jesus and they may have even made a confession of faith as a child. But as to truly understanding, they never did. We have to consider this. Of course, God knows. A prodigal is a child of God whether he or she realizes it or not. They cannot lose their salvation. An unsaved person is not in the family of God. They will go to hell unless they repent and turn from their unbelief and ask Jesus to be their Savior. That my prodigal may not be saved has been a harsh reality for me to accept. But I am believing God for His promises. The above Scriptures are a real encouragement to me, and I hope they will be to you as well. For these verses tell us how God sees our prodigals (and our unsaved ones) this Christmas!

If God has shared any promises with you that pertain to our prodigals or even unsaved ones, I would love for you to share them in the comment section below. Praying persistently in faith and for as long as it takes is not an easy journey to be on, and we all need encouragement at times so that we do not grow weary and lose heart. I pray this Christmas that God will strengthen your resolve to pray persistently for your prodigal or unsaved one. I pray He will encourage you along the way through people and His Word. Sometimes we can say just the right word at the right time without ever knowing it so always be faithful to say anything God prompts you to say. Stay strong in the Lord all you who are praying and believing God for opening the eyes of your loved ones. God is faithful, and He does not forget or ignore your pleas. He loves you and wants to give you the desires of your heart if you delight yourself in Him!

Christmas is a time when we remember our Savior's birth and how relevant it is to our lives today. Redemption begins with a baby in Bethlehem! Salvation is the most important thing that can happen in our lives and the lives of our loved ones!

Merry Christmas!

Kari Jobe: When Hope Came Down

#prodigals #Christmas #encouragement #GodsWord #persistenceinprayer