When you’ve (almost) lost hope for your unbelieving or prodigal loved ones

I’ve heard the story so many occasions currently that it appears hardly per week goes by with out me listening to about this grief: believing family members praying for relations who by no means adopted Christ or who deserted the religion of their upbringing. Generally it’s the prayer of fathers for teenage and grownup youngsters; At different occasions, it is youngsters and grown youngsters nonetheless praying for aged dad and mom and grandparents.

I do know this ache as a result of I prayed for my father for 36 years and my mom for 47 years earlier than they each turned Christ-followers. I might be mendacity if I mentioned I by no means as soon as misplaced religion or doubted God within the many years I’ve prayed. I used to be a pastor for quite a few these years, however even I questioned if God would ever reply my prayers. It appeared the extra I prayed, the more severe issues received.

My spouse, Pam,