This is a response to a prayer request by a young single mother in a very desperate situation. Many single parents have enough financial and emotional support to lead a productive and happy life, but others are not so fortunate. Single fathers often have the same problems.
"Four years ago, my husband left my two sons and me. I felt so alone, hurt, confused and abandoned and I'm still suffering. I lost my first house and can't get financed to buy another. I work full time but didn't know if we would have food or gas to go to work last week. I am forced to skip paying one debt to pay another. I feel helpless and alone. I have no one to help me. I only trust Jesus to bring me through."
Response:
Hello ______, thank you for contacting us. I will pray for you and I believe that God will see you through.
Sometimes life can be tough, but you are correct to place your trust in Jesus; He loves you very much and wants you to rely upon Him for all your needs, including strength, wisdom, and decisions. There may be times when you feel all alone, but you are not; He will always be with you.
Your situation touches me deeply because I was a single parent of three and understand your difficulties, including the lack of understanding from others, the isolation and feeling as though it will never end.
But don't be afraid, God will be with you, and, with Him, it's always just the beginning.
I believe God will provide for you and that the coming years will get better. The kids will be grown which will help with the finances and other burdens and allow more time for your personal life and needs.
I am sure you are correct in saying, the reason you are braving these hardships alone is that someone else is not assuming their responsibilities, leaving you to carry the load. But why don't others step in?
You perhaps have a few relatives and friends who occasionally offer to help, but most people have never been in your position and don't realize the difficulties you are encountering.
They can't grasp the desperation and feeling of helplessness of having their car repossessed leaving no transportation for work or to take the kids to school; or the pain and embarrassment of being forced to move because there's no money to pay the rent.
However, you are important to Jesus, He is your friend. In financial hardships, lack of support, and loneliness, you can talk to Him, and He answers prayer. He has a plan for your life, and with Him it's always just the beginning.
You are passing through a storm, but it won't last forever. Even with the difficulties, these can be happy formative years, where you and your children can bond and build a lifetime of fantastic memories worth whatever the cost.
"Draw near to God and He will draw near to you..." (James 4:8)
You can form a relationship with Jesus that will last for eternity. He is a friend who will never abandon you.
"And the Lord, He is the One who goes before you. He will be with you, He will not leave you nor forsake you; do not fear nor be dismayed." (Deut 31:8, NKJV).
You may not be able to see through your difficulties, but if you will follow Jesus, He will lead you, and His way is always the best.
God has not finished blessing you, and if you continue to trust in Him someday you will look back and recognize these times as, "Footprints in the Sand," a time when He carried you.
"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope," (Jer 29:11 ESV).
Jesus loves you, He is your friend and He answers prayer. I pray He will bless every area of your life. Please stay in touch and let me know how I can continue to pray for you.
Samuel Mills
An article you may enjoy:
"Finding Hope in Difficult Times:"
Encouragement for Single Parents
Why is it so difficult for our educators and society, in general, to understand that love and respect for one another taught from a young age can solve much of the world's hostility and social problems!
"Train up a child in the way he should go, And when he is old he will not depart from it" (Prov 22:6).
Love is the answer!
True loyalty springs from the heart and is wrapped in love. It is often in our most private moments that true loyalty, or the lack of it, is made known.
Sharing the
Message Of Jesus
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Samuel L Mills
PO Box 4456
Maryville, TN 37802