When I decided to become a Seventh-day Adventist, I did not hesitate to make certain changes in my life. Those changes took my mom by surprise. She wasn’t sure what happened to me, as I used to be her drinking buddy when we would get together for any occasion, even if it were just for sitting and having a drink.
When I informed her I would not be drinking anymore, and she noticed that my way of eating also changed, she asked me if I was a Jehovah’s Witness. I was surprised at that question!
Our visits together underwent a drastic change; an awkwardness developed between us. Our conversations became brief as we struggled to find something to say to each other. I was sad, but also determined that I would not turn back from the new walk I had begun with Jesus.
I enjoyed my time reading the Bible. It was my first time ever reading the Bible, and I was astonished by the new truths I was learning. I cried tears of joy and always looked forward to each new day, to see what I would learn as I read the Holy Scriptures.
Although I was so happy in my new relationship with Jesus, I was also increasingly sad at the same time, as I was beginning to really miss my mom. We had begun to see each other less and less. When I used to drink, she would visit our home and bring alcohol to share with me. But after accepting Jesus into my heart, I asked her not to bring alcohol to my home anymore. She was upset and didn’t visit us for a very long time.
It was so difficult to help her understand because she didn’t care to hear any explanation of why I had made these changes, and she did not want me to share anything about the Bible with her. She refused to hear anything I wanted to share.
As I learned about the power of prayer, I began to pray for her earnestly through the years. I claimed this promise for her: John 8:32 says, “And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”
I prayed that God would give her peace and a desire to know Jesus.
One day, the LORD put it upon my heart to give her a Bible, although I thought she wouldn’t accept it. However, when God puts something upon your heart, He is faithful to follow it through. I purchased a Bible, had her name engraved on it, and gave it to her as a gift. When I handed it to her, she reluctantly accepted it, but she did take it!
Through the years, I never stopped praying for her and continued to claim the promise for her, even though she had become distant, and when I was around her, at times, she was cruel towards me. That was very difficult, and it was very hurtful, but I kept praying for her and for myself.
Our relationship became almost non-existent. Mom didn’t make much effort to see me, and, at times, I chose not to be around her for fear of getting hurt. But I never stopped keeping in contact with her, even though I knew that she might be mean towards me. This verse helped me tremendously: “But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you” (Matthew 5:44).
After many years, she eventually accepted the new me and became less cruel toward me. Little by little, our conversations were more comfortable and easier. Over time, our relationship grew and she began to show compassion towards me. There were moments when we shared with each other the pains we caused one another and asked for forgiveness. I was so thankful that I was able to have a relationship with my mom again, and this time on a healthier basis.
One day, an unexpected conversation with my mom took place. She asked me if I would study the Bible with her! I was amazed and shocked, and I thanked the LORD for answering my persistent prayers. When we began our first Bible Study, she opened her Bible and noticed the date I had marked in the front page, November 26, 1998, Thanksgiving Day. She was amazed when she realized that it had been 25 years since I had given her that Bible. She thanked me repeatedly for never stopping praying for her and, with tears in her eyes, she again asked for forgiveness for how she had treated me through the years.
The LORD showed me His glory in answer to the promise I had been claiming for my beautiful mom all these many years. Today, my mom looks forward to our Bible studies, and she is growing in her spiritual walk with Jesus. She knows the truth, and she is free! Hallelujah! Praise God from whom all blessings flow!
Call to Action
“Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.”
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Be consistent and persevering in prayer. Believe God will answer your prayer according to His time. He WILL do it! Don’t give up.
“And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.”
Romans 8:28
All Scripture taken from the King James Version.
