MARK 9:14-27
Stephen replied, “I do not even believe in God, and I am not going.”
His mother fought with the lump in her throat as she swallowed. Her once-happy son has transformed into a rude and rebellious youth. Due to Stephen’s refusal to accompany the family to church, Sunday had turned into a day to dread. The counselor advised his hopeless parents, who finally sought help, that Stephen must embark on his own spiritual journey. He cannot be forced into entering the kingdom. Give God room to operate. Keep praying and waiting.
While waiting, his mother prayed. One morning, the verses she had read about Jesus reverberated in her head. Jesus had the solution when His disciples failed to help a boy who was afflicted by a demon: “Bring the boy to Me,” Jesus said (Mark 9:19). Through the window by her side, the sun created a bright spot on the ground. Surely Jesus could cure her son if He could heal in such a dire circumstance. She imagined Stephen and herself standing with Jesus in that light. She took a mental step back at that point, leaving her son with the One who loved him more than she did.
Every day, she gave Stephen to God in silence, trusting that He knew what he needed and would work in his life according to His timing and will.
Last week, Stephen confessed his faith in Jesus Christ as his Lord and Saviour.
đđģI lift up my loved ones to You, Lord Jesus, knowing that You love them more than I do and that You know exactly what to do to meet their needs.
