|
|
Need Encouragement?
|
My son has left the faith....
|
|
My son was brought up in our very evangelical Christian home. He went to Christian school, he went on youth mission trips, he talked to people in high school about why evolution was so stupid. And then one day....(well a process of a few months) he decided he was no longer a "Christian," that religion is stupid, and he is pretty much an atheist. He still is a very caring person, likes doing things for others, etc. I do believe that God still has him in the palm of his hand, that he will use my son to accomplish great things for the kingdom SOMEDAY, but how do I survive until that SOMEDAY?? He has heard all the arguments. He will not be argued back into the kingdom, I know that.
Does anyone have any encouragement? Have any of your sons or daughters strayed and then returned?? HOw do I cope, what do I say or not say to him while he is walking in this very wrong direction?? He seems so closed, and yet I keep praying for his heart to remain open just a little......
|
|
Sharon 02/10/2012 23:18 |
|
| |
Helga
|
02/11/2012 22:17 |
Sharon I understand how you feel and do not feel alone in this. I have a similar situation although my kids never grew up in an only christian environment. At this stage, the question come. They introduced us to Deepak Chopra, Eckhard Tolle etc. I had never heard of these guys and know now that Deepak is "one of the new age Gurus".
So, this meant a bit of digging into "why is Christ the only way". I get the arguments of "how can Christ say that he is the only way to God?" etc.
I came across Ravi Zacharias and his latest book "Why Jesus" was really what helped me. He is an christian apologetic and defends this believe system and has really a lot of knowledge and the nice part is that I listened to the book and he reads it himself.
Maybe you should listen and read to it first. It is very important to keep a loving relationship with your son. Remember he could feel boxed in with all this what he calls "religion". Jesus hated "religion". Children get the impression that Christianity is for the "weak" ones and they do not understand how powerful the Word of God is. You cannot hammer it into their brains sometimes you just have to get a way that they see it by your words and actions.
Lord Jesus give Sharon wisdom and understanding. Guide her during this time.
|
| |
Beverly
|
02/12/2012 09:01 |
Sharon, I was raised in church, and accepted Jesus at age 6. But as I got older, I wondered if there was a God, then listened to a friend who took me to a Card Reader, another who was a Scientologist. I agreed with those who told me that there are many ways to heaven. I told my Mom that the pastor was just a frustrated actor, and I refused to go to church. So it was a pretty bad time for her, and a long way down that I went.
When my daughter was about 8, she asked me why I didn't listen to that "Jesus" music like Nanny did. And why I didn't read the Bible like Nanny. I know now, but didn't know then that it was God speaking to me, because it was like a clap of thunder. So I got my Bible out and began to read in Genesis, and my world turned around. God became real to me through His Word, and I don't know how I could have ever been so stupid.
So, that is my story--- my parents didn't argue with me about my ideas or nag me to go to church. They did some heavy duty praying, and one day, God used my daughter to get my attention. I didn't even know it---He was gentle and drew me in to His side, and His Word tendered and changed me. It was all of God. To the praise of His glorious grace, I pray the same will happen to your son.
|
| |
Beverly
|
02/12/2012 09:10 |
Helga is right and this is what my parents did---no words, just continued love and support.
|
| |
Sharon
|
02/12/2012 10:54 |
Thank you ALL so much for your words of encouragement! Beverly, your story is SO encouraging to me! Yes, I feel it will be a long time before my son comes back to the faith, and yes, I could see his story being similar to yours. It gives me so much hope to hear how long you were gone and yet you came back!! Thanks for encouraging me to keep loving him and not feeling like I have to SAY something. Thanks so much for sharing, and if you think of it pray for "Sharon's son." I know God will hear our prayers.
|
| |
Helga
|
02/22/2012 03:22 |
Praying for your son right now.........Lord have mercy and help Sharon today to do what You want her to do.
|
|
