Do you know what it's like to raise a child? Those of you who do also know that it's very hard work! Even tonight you may be pacing the floor in concern for them.

And as you mature in the Lord, God is probably giving many of you "spiritual children" as well...people to nurture and oversee in their spiritual growth. As with natural children, you will learn to take responsibility for their spiritual development and welfare...this too can involve many nights of walking the floor! Watching and travailing in the Spirit becomes a way of life as Satan waits for any opportunity to devour these young and tender ones, or to lead them to spiritual starvation.

Sometimes your travail can become so great that you wonder, "Can this be of God?" Yes, it is. The prophet Jeremiah made it clear that this greatly honors God when he said, "Arise [from your bed], cry out in the night, at the beginning of the watches; pour out your heart like water before the face of the Lord. Lift up your hands toward Him for the lives of your young children, who faint from hunger at the head of every street. (Lamentations 2:19 AMPC)

Take comfort as you pace up and down during those sleepless nights, that you are not alone. God is raising up many "spiritual parents" who are doing the same thing. Brother Cerullo and I are always with you. You may have even been one of our "children" yourself!

Heavenly Father, I praise You for the privilege of being a "spiritual parent" to one of Your precious ones. Give me a heart that is willing and ready to respond to his (or her) need, no matter what time of the day or night. Strengthen me to prevail for him (or her) in prayer. Let me see Christ fully formed in him (or her) to Your great glory! In Jesus' Name, Amen.