When to give up praying

Yesterday was a difficult day with a milestone being crossed in my prodigal's life that I really wanted to be a part of. 

I spent time yesterday in prayer (not as much as should have), and had the prayer bouncing off the wall feeling all day.  I felt defeated and was asking for permission to just give up and move on with my life.  I ended my final moment in prayer last night saying "Please just tell me if I am supposed to continue praying for her..."  Then I went to sleep.

This morning, I was a bit excited to go visit a fast growing church here in the St. Louis area.  I really like the sounds of lots of people singing (like at home), so I expected to be moved.  I wasn't.  Perhaps I am needing to be more open minded, but it felt more like an Amway convention to me than church.  The message was one of those your not sewing a big enough seed and your thinking with being in God's favor is not big enough.... yeah right.   I can dream really big, I just don't think God owes me anything, I feel its the other way.   Anyway I had attended the early service and left asking "What was that?"

I was tempted to just do my paperwork and leave town but decided to go to the Church of the Nazarene in Fenton.   I am glad I did!!!

When the pastor spoke today, his message was from Joshua 1.  The pastor asked us to think about those people who were instrumental in our lives in leading us to Jesus and helping us grow in Christ.  Then he posed the question, "what if those people never entered your life or just gave up on you and quit praying for you?"

My ears were perked up now...  then he re-read verses 14b - 15a  (NIV) " You are to help your brothers UNTIL THE LORD GIVES THEM REST, AS HE HAS DONE FOR YOU, AND UNTIL THEY TOO HAVE TAKEN POSSESSION OF THE LAND that the Lord your God is giving them.  AFTER that, you may go back and occupy your own land, ..."

So, keep praying the Lord says to me, until the prodigal has the rest in assurred salvation.  Isn't God AMAZING!?