The Power of God that Leads to Repentance

As parents of prodigals (teens and young adults), we often wonder when things get bad, if God is truly powerful to save our children.  We look at their issues and think to ourselves that they are just extraordinarily too big for us to handle or control.  We also begin to doubt in our belief that there is hope for our children.  

As I had been reading the news and viewing pictures of the hurricanes, one picture got my attention.  Once surrounded by ocean water, the docks in Florida were now instead, surrounded by dry sand.  

Looking back to the earlier days of science in the elementary, middle, and high school, weather predictions and phenomenons were only talked about and rarely seen. In fact, very few, including meteorologists, would have predicted or seen these special effects caused by these weather storms.  

Such as the case with Hurricane Irma that was so strong it swept away the ocean from the shoreline.  People were left scratching their heads in shock.  The only question on their mind was, “Where did the water go?”  

As I was reading Exodus 14:21, I came across a verse that gave the answer –  

Then Moses stretched out his hand over the sea; and the LORD swept the sea back by a strong east wind all night and turned the sea into dry land, so the waters were divided.

Then in verse 27,

So Moses stretched out his hand over the sea, and the sea returned to its normal state at daybreak, while the Egyptians were fleeing right into it; then the LORD overthrew the Egyptians in the midst of the sea.

Reading these verses reminded me that God is in control.  He also can allow calamity in order to bring about repentance and peace,  even through a storm. Remember, God has the power to breathe life into us as well as remove it.  Yet, His grace and mercy continues to pursue us in a manner that says how much He desires to love us and have a relationship with us.  He has those same thoughts and love toward our children too. 

The rescue of the Israelites from their enemies is a prime example.  God also has the same power to rescue our children from their destructive behaviors and lifestyles that seek to destroy them.  

Furthermore, the hurricanes of today can also awaken our children to question who will they look to for help and hope in their time of trouble.  This leads to repentance and change.  This is something that we cannot do for them. Only God can show them the answers by allowing circumstances to present themselves to our child.  All we need to do is pray for our teen and young adult.  God can do the rest.  

So the next time you visit the beach and walk along the beautiful sands of the shoreline, remind yourself that our Almighty God is in control and will guide your child back home.  

Side Note:  Please continue to pray for the states and islands who have been hit with the many hurricanes in the past month.  If you are looking to donate, please check out  Convoy of Hope – a Humanitarian Organization that helps those in need – most specifically those affected by the recent storms.   

Photo Courtesy of Jeremy Bishop (Unsplash.com)