By Erlinda Mejia-Olson
MATTHEW 18:19 ~ "Again I say to you that if two of you agree on earth concerning anything that they ask, it will be done for them by My Father in heaven."
Is there someone in your life who you think is beyond redemption...beyond change?
Our hearts have been greatly moved by the stunning news when we learned from my family in the Philippines that my youngest brother has received Jesus Christ as his Lord and Personal Savior. What a tremendous blessing that has been for all of us! We couldn't be more spiritually encouraged! We have been praying for my brother for such a long time, and finally, that miraculous moment has come. This circumstance reminded me of a preaching I've heard, by Pastor Doug McLaclan on Redemption, when I first got saved myself 13 years ago. As I was paying attention to every word he said, this one phrase stood out and stayed with me all this time. He said, "No one is beyond redemption". Such simplicity of the words have pierced through my heart like a 'double edged sword', and left a stunning remark in my life and my attitude towards how I pray. So from that time on, every time I prayed for my brother, or for my unsaved loved ones, I always think of that phrase. When the Lord Jesus died on the Cross—He died for all—regardless of who you are and what you are. God's redemption is unconditional. It favors no one. It's always available for all those who believe - (John 3:16).
MATTHEW 18:19 ~ "Again I say to you that if two of you agree on earth concerning anything that they ask, it will be done for them by My Father in heaven."
Is there someone in your life who you think is beyond redemption...beyond change?
Our hearts have been greatly moved by the stunning news when we learned from my family in the Philippines that my youngest brother has received Jesus Christ as his Lord and Personal Savior. What a tremendous blessing that has been for all of us! We couldn't be more spiritually encouraged! We have been praying for my brother for such a long time, and finally, that miraculous moment has come. This circumstance reminded me of a preaching I've heard, by Pastor Doug McLaclan on Redemption, when I first got saved myself 13 years ago. As I was paying attention to every word he said, this one phrase stood out and stayed with me all this time. He said, "No one is beyond redemption". Such simplicity of the words have pierced through my heart like a 'double edged sword', and left a stunning remark in my life and my attitude towards how I pray. So from that time on, every time I prayed for my brother, or for my unsaved loved ones, I always think of that phrase. When the Lord Jesus died on the Cross—He died for all—regardless of who you are and what you are. God's redemption is unconditional. It favors no one. It's always available for all those who believe - (John 3:16).
Nothing is too difficult in the grace of God—He listens to our prayers and gives us answers according to His perfect will in our lives. My brother got saved not only because I prayed for him, but because my family prayed for him, the church prayed for him. It was a combined effort of the faith of those who didn't give up on him. You shouldn't too for your loved ones.
The reference Scripture is true, it speaks to the power of two in prayer—in my brother's case, not only two people were praying, but many. I've learned that when you pray with your loved ones, it creates a special bond in our relationship. Prayers can soften hearts to God's discipline and instruction and make us more receptive to each other. God wants us to bring our burdens to Him, and He is pleased when His children seek Him together. I hope that you will also consider setting aside time to pray with your loved ones, even just for a few minutes each morning. It's a great way to start your day with each other and with God.
How about you? Do you happen to be in the same situation where I was in with my brother? I hope this testimony I passed along will help you.
My family and I are celebrating for my brother's new life in Christ. Thanks be to God the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, for His mercy endures forever. My brother was dead and is alive again ... was lost and is found.
"Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good. Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another; not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer." (Romans 12:9-12)
Song:
That I May Know Thee
Other Scripture Reference:
John 11:25-26
Luke 15:11-35
John 3:17John 14:6
Romans 12:14-17
Philippians 4:6
Romans 12:14-17
Philippians 4:6
Ephesians 2:8-9
2 Corinthians 5:17
1 Peter 4:9
1 Peter 4:9
Galatians 2:20
Psalm 51: 10-12
1 Chronicles 16:34
