THE BADGE OF A CHRISTIAN by Debbie Wood

“Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.”   John 13:35 (NLT)

I took stock of the wreckage that was my personal life and wondered how I was to move forward in the midst of the chaos and shattered dreams.  My marriage had suddenly and tragically ended in divorce.  My two children, aged 10 and 12, were hurting, bewildered, and confused as they shuttled back and forth between mom’s house and dad’s apartment.  I wasn’t sure how my income alone was going to keep the mortgage paid, and my nuclear family was 2,500 miles away, unavailable to provide comfort or support to me.  I knew my children were looking to me for strength and reassurance that everything was going to be O.K., but I didn’t even feel like getting out of bed in the morning.  I wondered to myself how long I could keep them from figuring this out. 

I had two choices; either throw my hands up in despair, or throw them up in prayer to God.  He was the only one who could help me.  My prayer at this critical time went something like this:  “Dear Lord —look at this mess we are in!   I don’t know how I am going to raise two kids to be faithful, loving, courageous followers of you now that my family has been torn apart.  I know I can’t do it — but I know you can.  Love my kids, Lord, please love my kids!”  As soon as I finished praying I was certain that God had heard my prayer and was pleased with it.  I knew that I had received what I asked for.  God gave me a deep sense of peace that He would always be with my children and move in His mighty way on their behalf.  With a rush of gratitude I continued praying, “Dear Lord, I know you have heard me and answered my prayer.  What can I do for you in return to show you how thankful I am?”  Again I had an immediate response to my prayer.  “Love my kids, Debbie, love my kids!”

God accomplished a profound realignment of my heart that day, to beat in rhythm with His. I realized that His heart beats for his children just like mine beats for mine.  I strive to love His kids, everyone He brings into my focus or my path, just as He has so faithfully loved and guided my kids, who are now 23 and 25.  I smile to realize how completely in sync God and I are here.  The best way to show your allegiance to either one of us is to love our kids.                                                                                                                   

D.W.

 Think about it:  Which one of His kids is God bringing to your focus and attention to show His love to?