Are you troubled in your spirit tonight by separation from someone you care about?

I remember waving goodbye to some friends one afternoon. I could hardly hold back the tears, for I knew it might be years before I saw them again.

This same sadness envelops me as I look at unsaved loved ones around me and wonder, "If tomorrow they were to die, would I ever see them again, even in the next world?" This thought would be quite devastating if I didn't cling to the assurance that, as we are faithful in prayer, God is faithful to work in our loved ones' behalf...even if He has to separate us for a while on this earth to get His work done.

Recently a partner shared a scripture God had given her to encourage her not to give up in prayer for her unsaved spouse who had left home. The Lord said, "For perhaps he departed for a while for this purpose, that you might receive him forever, no longer as a slave but...a beloved brother, especially to me but how much more to you, both in the flesh and in the Lord" (Philemon 15-16, NKJV).

May this Word of the Lord be a great encouragement to all of you who are separated from unsaved loved ones. If you keep praying, keep believing and don't give up, the Lord will keep His end of the bargain.

Heavenly Father, thank you for the steadfast spirit of patience and endurance You give me to get Your work done. Although being separated from someone I love is painful and difficult, Your Spirit is here to sustain me through these bleak times. Help me to pray through Him always and to be strengthened in hope, so that when Your work is complete, (Name of unsaved) and I will stand before You together in heaven. In Jesus' Name, Amen.