The Separation

Bible Reading: Proverbs 3:5-6

“What’s up, Annie?” Gran asked as they strolled along the twisting path in their local park with Buster, who was barking excitedly and pulling at the lead. “You’ve been quiet ever since your dad dropped you off. Did you two have an argument?”

“No, but Mom and Dad did.” Annie sighed. She was staying at Gran’s for the weekend so her parents could have some time to themselves to talk over some problems. “I don’t get it. The last few weeks, it’s been worse than ever. I mean, everyone argues and bickers sometimes, but I can’t stand it!”

They carried on walking, hearing the birds singing and the laughter from other children running around. Everyone else seemed so happy, but Annie’s blue eyes glistened with tears.

“Pastor Carmichael talked about caring for others and forgiving them, but I can’t understand why Mom and Dad can’t do the same. They yell at each other, and I don’t know what to do. I’ve prayed for them both, but they just seem to shout even more.”

Gran gave Annie a hug. “Sometimes adults can’t get along. Because we live in a sinful world, relationships can be broken. Try as we might, we can’t always fix them. We must wait and hope in God.”

“But what if God does nothing?” asked Annie.

“God always hears us when we pray, and He can change any situation. But He also allows people to make choices, and when relationships are broken, sometimes they choose not to stay together. That’s not God’s plan for marriage—He created marriage as a picture of His love for us, a love that never ends. Let’s pray your parents will be able to work out their problems—but remember they will always love you, even if they aren’t together. I know it’s hard, but whatever happens, Jesus will be with us and give us strength. We need to place the matter in His hands. Why don’t we do that right now?”

Annie nodded, and she and Gran sat down on a nearby bench and said a prayer together.

When they had finished praying, Gran said, “Now that we’ve given our troubles to God, let’s enjoy the weekend. How does ice cream sound?”

Annie smiled as they hurried to the ice-cream truck with Buster yapping excitedly. (Cindy Lee)

How About You?

Are your parents separated or divorced? Do you miss them being together and think of past times? Broken relationships come from living in a sinful world, and they’re painful for both parents and kids. But Jesus’ love for us is perfect, and He promises to help us through difficult circumstances. Even though you can’t control other people’s actions, you can pray for them and trust God with the outcome.

Today’s Key Verse: 1 Peter 5:7 Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.(NLT)

Today’s Key Thought:

Give God your troubles