Mothers God Used

The nine children of Mr. And Mrs. Scudder of India have all given their lives to missionary service in that land. "The children were literally prayed into the kingdom by their mother," Mr. Scudder explained. Mrs. Scudder spent the birthday of each child in prayer for that child.

Helen, a mother in Oklahoma, saw the closeness of their family shattered when one of her children went the way of the world. She and her husband prayed and cried together and painfully asked each other, "Have I done something wrong?"

Helen began giving special time to night praying, each night assigning herself a promise to study and pray through. One promise was Isaiah 45:11: "Ask Me about the things to come concerning My sons, and you shall commit to Me the work of My hands" (NASB). Her child was to be given over to God. He was the work of His hands (Psalm 139:13-16).

She learned from Daniel 9:21 that Daniel prayed in extreme weariness and that God strengthened him when he prayed (Daniel 10:19), so it was not always time to quit praying when she was tired.

Four years passed and during that time the pain caused by their child's rebellion never diminished. But God's promises gave her spiritual strength and assured her that His answer would come... "Though it linger, wait for it; it will certainly come and will not delay" (Habakkuk 2:3). She learned to say, "My times are in your hands" (Psalm 31:15).

Their family is whole again. The once wayward child prays with them and relishes opportunities to be with them.

Thank You, Lord, for teaching us to pray so You can answer our prayers.

"Weeping may remain for a night, but rejoicing comes in the morning" (Psalm 30:5).