(June 22, 2022) Maureen McQuillan responds to a concerned, fearful mother…

Dear Pastor Maureen

I’m so pleased that my adult children are doing the Christian thing and using their career skills to help needy and troubled people, especially nonChristians, but I’m afraid that they may be getting into difficult and dangerous situations. Please help me find peace. Josie.

Hi Josie

Naturally, it’s great that your children are following in your footsteps – and the Lord’s – and reaching out to help troubled people. The reality is that we all have to make major decisions in life and no matter who we’re endeavouring to help (and lead to Christ) sometimes awkward or dangerous moments come up.

But we Christians are directed in scripture not to be worried or concerned about anything. Being concerned not worried, as any good mother should be, is all right but we are not to be afraid… otherwise we open a doorway for the devil, our enemy, to rush in through!

Fear is a great trick of Satan’s to lead us astray and get us so worried and confused to the point of even losing our faith and trust in Jesus. Here’s some comforting New Testament scriptures that come to mind and we can apply them not only to ourselves but in prayer and confession over our children…

• ‘So we say with confidence, “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid…”’ (Hebrews 13:6).
• ‘One night the Lord spoke to Paul in a vision: “Do not be afraid…”’ (Acts 18:9).
• ‘Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid’ (John14:27).

As for any of us, including your children – excelling in their chosen careers and serving the Lord – Matthew 11:28-30 is encouraging. Jesus told us we can have His support – ‘Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.’

Yoke means a coupling… a crosspiece over two animals, one being stronger and more experienced than the other, so that they work together. In our case it’s a joining with the mighty Holy Spirit… and together we accomplish commissions in life, especially what the Lord has planned for us.

So, Josie, pray for your kids but don’t you become burdened by fear, otherwise a weakness could slip in, maybe even on them if they see you faltering. Rather, you enjoy the Holy Spirit’s coupling with you in caring for your children. Really the best prayer is asking God to wrap them in His protection… and, so important, leaving it with Him.

I trust this comforts you, Josie. I’ll be thinking of you all in my own prayers (and leaving it with Him!).
______________________________________________________________
Got a question for either Pr Maureen or Dr Robert McQuillan? Email to OnlinerConnect@gmail.com
______________________________________________________________