Peace for Grown Children and their Parents
“So he came and proclaimed peace to you who were far off and peace to those who were near; for through him both of us have access in one Spirit to the Father.” (Ephesians 2:17-18)
I have prayed with so many parents who have grieved over a grown child who is “far off.” Some were far off by destroying their lives with drugs and alcohol. Others were “far off by remaining too close. These children were unable to get their lives together and remained so dependent that they were unable to leave the bedroom of their childhood. Still, other parents mourn their grown children’s animosity toward God. Rather than feelings of “peace,” they worry about their children’s life on earth and their eternal salvation.
This passage speaks to the legitimate worries that hurt and even destroy the peace of so many. First, God’s Spirit brings peace even to those far off. While a grown child may deny God, God refuses to deny their son or daughter. I cannot believe any grown child wants to remain dependent. There are several reasons why some grown children cannot find their way forward in life. Whatever the unique issue, the person is never too far off to receive support and “peace.”
Today, pray for adults who struggle to find their place in the world. Think of a specific family struggling with this particular issue. Visualize each individual in that family. Pray for each one to receive peace and the support that brings that peace. Pray that they can bring peace to one another. Finally, pray for the people who can get support for these families. Perhaps it is the employer that gives a person an opportunity. A friendship that allows a family member to build confidence in themselves or someone to lean on. Most importantly, ask the “one Spirit” to intervene with peace to heal family struggles. Remember, God acts in daily human situations. God will act in each family’s struggles and can bring peace.
This devotion was originally published in September of 2017