The Answer for Broken Families

It wasn’t the first time that I heard of the broken family syndrome. The parents did not know where the child was. Having come into his own and then the conflict with his parents are home – he left. They haven’t seen him for more than five years now.

Once in awhile there is a report that filters back home after a friend sees him on the street. But other than a few accounts shared briefly to the parents – there is nothing at all. No reports, no cards, no requests for help – simply nothing!

There may be no greater pain than that of a “lost child pain”. I have witnessed the kind that comes from a mother that stands beside her child’s coffin and says that one last goodbye on the funeral day. There is an end to that scenario. There is however no end to a lost child to the streets, to another city, to an angry relationship.

When I heard the fresh account again I was reminded of two close friends of mine that have lost their children because of conflicts with their child’s spouse. The spouse became so angry(or had so much anger built up inside) that they simply stole the daughter or son away from the parents. Their adult child is gone!

This deep and terrible severance is more common today than people realize. There are a number of torn and terrible family stories near most of us.

What is the answer?

One that is simple is – “God”. Maybe that is too simple for many that read this article today.

The next answer is – “The Bible” with all of its accounts and important tidbits of history.

Last evening we read again the life story of Joseph. You can find it in Genesis 30 through to Genesis 46. Looking at Genesis 42 through to 46 you will catch a whole picture of a family that is being reunited.

In a nut shell – Joseph’s brothers were jealous of him and plotted to get rid of him. Then they did it. Joseph’s disappearance was viewed by his father Jacob as the greatest tragedy he could every have happen. He mourned deeply and for a long time.

Joseph didn’t die but rather ended up in Egypt and in a position of great power. Then the son that was lost was reunited to his parents in a remarkable way.

Last night as I re-read the story again – I was amazed all over at the wonderful way that God works to restore families… and bring kids home.

You need to read the whole story!

But more than anything you need to know that God knows where your kids are today. He loves them as much as you do.
It may seem too simple – but God does care. And that is what really matters.

I encourage you today to let God be God – in whatever situation that you are facing. He cares.

~ Pastor Murray Lincoln ~

Resource

Genesis 42 - 46 from the BibleGateway.com