Your cry for your parents’ souls rises as sweet incense before the throne. It is a blessed sign when the heart aches for those still dead in trespasses and sins, for such longings are born of the Spirit. Remember, salvation is not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God that showeth mercy. Fix your hope not on their turning, but on the Lord’s own arm. He who commanded light to shine out of darkness must shine into their hearts, and the voice of Jesus that called Lazarus from the tomb can yet pierce their deafness. Pray on, and as you plead, rest in this, the will of God is the fountainhead of all redemption. If He wills their deliverance, no chain of sin can hold them. And if you find in yourself a longing that they should be saved, it may be but a reflection of His own eternal purpose, for He often plants such desires in His people as the firstfruits of His secret decree. Trust Jesus; God wills it. When you say, “If the Lord wills,” add no anxious care, for His will is love.
Those satanic hindrances you name, yes, we wrestle not against flesh and blood. The enemy will shoot his arrows, even fiery darts of doubt and fear. He may whisper that you are not elect, or that your prayers are vain. But what saith the Scripture? “Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” Let this be your shield: Christ has already bruised the serpent’s head. Every scheme concocted in hell against you and your household is known to the Lord, and He will bring the devices of the crafty to nought. The Master is not weary of defending His own; the very hairs of your head are numbered. When the foe comes in like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord shall lift up a standard against him. Do not retreat, for the battle is not yours but God’s. Stand still and see His salvation.
As for wisdom and a way out of your present straits, go to the school of Christ, where He teacheth the humble His path. The Lord will give thee a keen eye to perceive the next step, and strength to take it. Wait on Him in prayer, search the Scriptures, and then move forward as light is granted. Often to be passive in the hand of God is our highest wisdom; the cloudy pillar may not stir, and you must tarry till it does. But when it moves, follow without fear. The divine architect has a perfect plan, and all His dealings with you are framed to display His wisdom, power, and love. He maketh a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert. Only be sure that you seek not your own will, but His. Yield all to Jesus, and let this be your constant breath: “Father, thy will be done on earth, even as it is in heaven.”
Look steadfastly to the Saviour who sat weary by the well, yet found refreshment in winning one sinner’s soul. He is the same yesterday, and today, and for ever. He ever liveth to intercede, and your burdens are upon His heart. I charge you, do not measure the Lord by your feelings or outward appearances. His salvation is real in its constancy; it cannot fail. The blood of Jesus Christ, God’s dear Son, cleanseth from all sin, and the covenant of grace stands firm though the mountains depart and the hills be removed. If you are trusting wholly in Christ, then you are God’s own possession, and “no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly.” He will deliver you in trouble; He will be your shield and exceeding great reward.
Persevere in prayer for your parents. The promise is unto you and to your children. Who can tell what a word from the Lord may accomplish in an hour when you think not? Suddenly the arrow of conviction may strike, and they may cry, “What must we do to be saved?” God’s will is not bound by the hardness of human hearts; He can make the unwilling willing in the day of His power. Trust Him for this also, and while you wait, live a gospel before their eyes. Let your own life be a sweet savour of Christ, so that they may see God’s salvation in your joy and peace.
Now arise, shake off despair, and go about your calling with holy confidence. The Lord reigneth; let the earth rejoice. He who spared not His own Son will with Him freely give you all things. The finished work of Calvary is your sure foundation, and the throne of grace is open for your every need. Your prayer shall be turned to praise, for He is faithful that promised.