Silent Whispers in the Dark
Christian friends, I know you can think of someone you deeply care about who denies the fact that Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life.
It’s heartbreaking, isn’t it?
Is it a family member, a dear friend, or maybe even someone you’re about to marry?
Why won’t they listen?
The conversations you’ve started with them about salvation through Jesus seem to go nowhere.
Do any of the following responses sound familiar?
“I just don’t feel that way”
“Nope! Not interested”
“Jesus is a myth”
If only they knew how important their eternal lives are to God.
If only they knew how much you want to see them in Heaven.
Praying those silent whispers in the dark on your loved one’s behalf seem to go unanswered.
It’s troubling.
Don’t they see what’s going on in our world?
Don’t they see the growing divide between good and evil playing out before our very eyes?
Keep Praying
Our loved ones’ salvation could take a very long time.
But also, in our heart of hearts, we have to face up to the fact that some of the people that we love will not go to Heaven.
They will continue being the wonderful people they are here, but their hardened hearts will send them to Hell forever.
I know we don’t like to think about it – but it’s true.
Faith can’t be forced on someone if they are not called.
Your Silent Whispers in the Dark are Heard
Going forward, it doesn’t matter how long your lost loved ones continue to reject Christ, keep praying for them.
Even though it seems like they’ll never change, the Heavenly Father hears your silent whispers in the dark.
God knew the exact timing for you to come to Christ, and He knows the exact timing for your loved one . . . even if it’s years down the road.
If they are called to salvation, it will happen.
Do you want to hear something beautiful?
9 The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not willing for any to perish, but for all to come to repentance. – 2 Peter 3:9, (NASB).
Peter, a friend and disciple of our Lord, spoke those words.
He saw deceivers coming into the church trying to influence God’s people.
Look around – is anything different in today’s world? There are wicked people everywhere looking to spread their hate for God to all generations.
And yet, God is not willing for any to perish.
He, not we, knows who His elect are, and that’s why it’s so important to bring the gospel to all people.
So why won’t some of the people you care about accept the gospel message?
God willing, they might, but it’s all in God’s timing.
The Lord is never late.
Praying for Lost Loved Ones
How do we pray for them then?
Some people have trouble finding the right words.
Regardless, God will hear you so don’t get caught up in trying to make it flow like you have to be perfect.
This should be a cry from the heart.
Even the length of the prayer doesn’t matter.
You’re praying for God to open their hearts to hear His Good News.
Don’t Give Up Praying Those Silent Whispers in the Dark
Here’s an example of a prayer that you’re welcome to use – maybe it could be a springboard for your own personal prayer for your lost loved ones.
Father God,
I have some special people on my heart today.
The __________ family,
___________,
and ____________.
Father, nothing seems to work.
No matter how much I pray, they don’t want to talk
about Jesus at all.
I know You hear all of my prayers.
As it says in Your Word, You love us so much that
You’re not willing for anyone to perish.
Thank You for Your patience with me,
and for Your patience with my lost loved ones.
I pray that they won’t wait until there’s no turning back.
I pray for the Holy Spirit to guide me in any future conversations I have with them about repentance and salvation. May the words of my mouth help plant those seeds that can lead them to Christ.
We fail You daily and yet, through Your compassion and mercy, You have provided us with a way to have eternal life.
As this world grows darker, help them to see that You are the only way to their salvation.
I know all things are done in Your timing. Your will be done.
I pray this through Jesus Christ, Amen.
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Scripture quotation is from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation.
