My parents are 'divorcing' and alliances within my family are currently changing. It is a stressful time in every way (spiritual, emotional...). I trying very hard not to get caught up in the fights currently going on.
I am faced with the task of assisting one parent (who is chronically ill) to downsize in anticipation of selling the family home.
I would really appreciate your spiritual counsel on how to approach this significant life event. What words of encouragement from the Bible/SOP can you share? What practical advice can you give me?
Many thanks.
Christian Regards
Shireen
PS The emotional load is compounded due to the death of a family member earlier this year and the recent death of a family friend.
Thank you nb for the wonderful encouragement to pray and read the Psalms. Sometimes all I can do is repeat a phrase from a psalm for peace. Many thanks, nb. God bless you.
Thank you nb for the wonderful encouragement to pray and read the Psalms. Sometimes all I can do is repeat a phrase from a psalm for peace. Many thanks, nb. God bless you.
you are welcome and do keep us posted when you can, how you are doing
Keep looking up through the clouds and find Jesus giving you hope and light
In the darkest days, when appearances seem most forbidding, fear not. Have faith in God. He knows your need. He has all power. His infinite love and compassion never weary. Fear not that He will fail of fulfilling His promise. He is eternal truth. Never will He change the covenant He has made with those who love Him. And He will bestow upon His faithful servants the measure of efficiency that their need demands. The apostle Paul has testified: "He said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for My strength is made perfect in weakness. . . . Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong." 2 Corinthians 12:9, 10. {PK 164.3}
Christ's two days' delay after hearing that Lazarus was sick was not a neglect or a denial on his part. It was his purpose to remain where he was till the death of Lazarus took place, that he might give the people an evidence of his divinity, not by restoring a dying man, but by raising to life a man that had been buried. {YI, April 6, 1899 par. 4}
This should be an encouragement to us. We are sometimes tempted to think that the promise, "Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you," is not fulfilled unless the answer comes immediately when the request is made. It is our privilege to ask for special blessings, and to believe that they will be given us. But if the blessings asked for are not immediately granted, we are not to think that our prayers are not heard. We shall receive, even if the answer is delayed for a time. In carrying out the plan of redemption, Christ sees enough in humanity to discourage him. But he does not become discouraged. In mercy and love he continues to offer us opportunities and privileges. So we are to rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for him. The answer to our prayers may not come as quickly as we desire, and it may not be just what we have asked; but he who knows what is for the highest good of his children will bestow a much greater good than we have asked, if we do not become faithless and discouraged. {YI, April 6, 1899 par. 5}
Others have given good spiritual advice, so I:ll focus more on the practical.
While the desire to remain "neutral" may seem good, and may actually be good sometimes, often it leads to worse feelings, and even a silent snubbing by everyone because they see you as someone who just doesn:t care. Not saying that is how it is in your situation, just that it often happens that way. Most likely, there are faults on both sides, and while others may see you as mostly standing up for one side, if you freely acknowledge faults of that person, it may make others think more highly of you.
In my own family situation as a kid, it was basically the 3 older kids who sided with one parent, and I sided with the other. Two of those 3 never did/will make peace with that one parent, and that:s just the way it is. Interestingly, both of them have basically left the faith, while the one that did make peace (somewhat) has gotten stronger in the Lord.
What I:m trying to say, is that you will never be able to please everybody. Sometimes it is best to be solidly on someone:s side, so that they know they can count on you in a pinch. If others see that you acknowledge that person:s faults, they will still hate you, but will at least respect you for your position.
May you be true to Jesus and his words first, and be a good witness for him to all your family members.
