Awakening Hearts In Our Families

I was recently talking to my daughter Sierra about all God has done in this last year she’s been home from Australia. She shared that one of the greatest gifts has been spending so much quality time with family. In the last few months, we’ve seen God soften hearts in a profound way and begin to bring reconciliation and healing in our family and extended family. It feels that the great awakening we’ve been praying for and experiencing is beginning in our families first.   “Through our union with Christ, we too have been claimed by God as his own inheritance. Before we were even born, he gave us our destiny; that we would fulfill the plan of God who always accomplishes every purpose and plan in his heart.” Ephesians 1:11 (TPT)   Jesus sat around the table with Judas who he knew would betray him and Peter who he knew would deny him. It blows my mind that didn’t cause him to withdraw his love for them. Of course, there are times we need to have boundaries with those who continually show us the need for them. At the same time, God has been giving me more empathy and better understanding behind some of the more difficult interactions in my family. The more love and grace I receive, the easier it is to give it away. We can only work through relational challenges with the help of Holy Spirit.   As we took communion last Saturday night, we received all Jesus paid for on the cross, not only for ourselves, but for our families. That includes spouses, children, grandchildren (and future children and grandchildren!), sisters, brothers, mothers, fathers, grandparents, cousins, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and more! Your spiritual inheritance exceeds far beyond what you can see in the here and now. The blood of Jesus covers every conflict that seems impossible to work through and every family member that you may feel is too far gone. His blood speaks of a greater love, a call to come home, a beautiful redemption story that’s still unfolding.   I encourage you to take some time and ask Jesus to show you how he feels about each person in your family. And let’s continue to agree for that great awakening of hearts! Love, Karena