As I travel, I meet many people with serious burdens on their hearts. I meet parents with deep burdens for the souls of their children, some of whom have left the fellowship of God’s church. Were they adequate parents? Did they do all they could for the salvation of their children? This burden is deepened by hindsight—it is much easier to see in retrospect where mistakes were made or where more could have been done.
Some sense that their children are not living a fulfilled life and are suffering from emotional instability or even illness. Others are burdened by spouses who do not share their love for Christ and for His saving power in their lives. Many wives who became Seventh-day Adventists after their wedding desire their husbands to join their faith. They realize the difficulty of leading children to the Lord when their spouses do not share the same goal.
I have also met spouses who married out of the faith while they themselves were members of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. Some expressed deep regret that they had not heeded the counsels and warnings from the Lord or from their family or church members in making this life commitment. Others have a burden for their parents who do not love God or His truth.
Yet, I also see how God has answered many prayers for loved ones. I see the mighty hand of God bringing salvation to both young and old. God has promised that as we come close to the end of this earth’s history, the Holy Spirit will move with mighty power around the world, and many who have left God’s truth will return and stand faithful to the Lord.
“When the storm of persecution really breaks upon us, the true sheep will hear the true Shepherd’s voice. Self-denying efforts will be put forth to save the lost, and many who have strayed from the fold will come back to follow the great Shepherd. The people of God will draw together, and present to the enemy a united front.” Evangelism, p. 693.
Let us pray earnestly for those who have left the fellowship of God’s people. Perhaps many of them were discouraged by the conduct of church members. Still others may have lost confidence in the church because of inconsistencies seen in its beliefs and practices.
May our prayers increase, not only for those close to us, but for all those who have been acquainted with Seventh-day Adventist Church messages and have chosen to leave the precious, saving faith.
