The Promise Of Salvation For Your Family


As Abraham traveled to the land God would give him things weren't always easy. One of the most difficult challenges he would face was in his own family. His very nephew, who had lived with him for some time, was drawn away by the things of this world into a sinful place. Abraham would have to fight for his life. In fact, the battle was both physical and spiritual. He would need to physically go get his nephew out of a mess on one occasion, and on another he would spend time in intercessory prayer standing in the gap.

It's always tragic when we see those we love drawn away into sin. It breaks our hearts to watch those we love missing out on all God has for them, and settling for temporary things. Whether it’s a prodigal son or daughter, or any other family member or loved one, seeing someone you care for walk away is devastating. Like Abraham we need to be willing to fight for our families.

There’s a tremendous Scriptural promise that motivates us in this fight. It’s delivered outside of a jailhouse when the local jailer discovers the doors of his prison open and fears all have escaped. In reality all of the prisoners were still inside even though a praise inspired earthquake had shaken the doors open. In the first century if your prisoners escaped you would be killed, so this jailer from Philippi was simply going to take his own life. Paul stops him, lets him know what had taken place, and moved by the experience the unnamed jailer asks, “what must I do to be saved?”

Paul and Silas’ answer is the promise.

“They replied, "Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved--you and your household." Acts 16:31

That man would later experience the joy of witnessing the baptism of his entire family. Abraham saw his nephew delivered from judgment by standing in the gap for him. At the time of the Exodus the children of Israel were to slay one lamb per family. Every household member needs to make a decision to follow Christ, but there’s no missing the heart of Father for this to occur. God saves families. 

 I want to encourage you to continue to stand in the gap for those you love. It's not too late. They're not too far gone. Let's believe together for household salvation; for our lost loved ones to come home to the Father just as the prodigal son did to his in Jesus' parable. Let's cry out faithfully for our children, parents, brothers and sisters, nephews and nieces, grandchildren, aunts and uncles, cousins and more.

The Bible says that God isn't willing that any should perish. It's the heart of the Father that all come to repentance. I'm agreeing with you for this to be a great year in our families!

Following the Son,

James A Williams

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