God Loves My Family More Than I Do

Week 40, Weekend

Shari Falwell

Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. John 1:3

After experiencing the deaths of three dear people in a short period of time, my mother thought life would take a positive turn only to find that her son faced his most difficult challenge: divorce. The divorce was an ugly one and my mother’s relationships with her grandchildren would never be the same. She reeled in depression as she watched her son’s life being turned upside down. She was devastated, angry, and bitter.

Was Satan instrumental in this? Yes, wounded hearts are his specialty. Satan is a professional in manipulation and distractions and he’ll use every tool at his disposal to destroy. “Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour” (1 Peter 5:8, nlt).

When life brings its challenges and we are being refined, it can be excruciating. Naturally, we’d like to protect our children from painful experiences. Once upon a time kissing “boo-boos” took the pain away. Now childhood pains progress toward emotional and spiritual wounds and it’s up to our child to learn how to self-heal. Our involvement and worry could possibly interfere. No one else can remove pain, except for Jesus, Jehovah Rapha—our Healer.

Jesus loves our children more than we do. Our worry doesn’t help; it actually questions God’s abilities. He has much better control of life’s situations. We must trust our Creator and just simply pray.

Psalm 139 tells us of God’s control: “O Lord, you have examined my heart and know everything about me” (verse 1, nlt). He knows everything, and His love never wavers.

“You know when I sit down or stand up. You know my thoughts even when I’m far away” (verse 2, nlt). He knows us better than we know ourselves.

“You see me when I travel and when I rest at home. You know everything I do. . . . You go before me and follow me. . . . I can never escape from your Spirit! I can never get away from your presence!” (verses 3,5,7, nlt). We are never out of his sight.

“You saw me before I was born. Every day of my life was recorded in your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed” (verse 16, nlt). He can see all successes and all failures, and He still loves us!

“How precious are your thoughts about me, O God! They cannot be numbered! I can’t even count them; they outnumber the grains of sand!” (verses 17-18, nlt). His love is unconditional and has no limits.

Thank You Lord, for creating my children. I am so grateful that You entrusted them to my care. Help me surrender daily to You and Your will. Help me use discernment when I want to protect, worry, or interfere in their growing pains. Your love surpasses mine. You want what is best and You see the bigger picture that we can’t. Help me trust You fully with my family. Amen.