At Derek Prince Ministries, we deeply understand the burden many Christians carry for their unsaved family members. But we also know that the Father-heart of God is "tender and compassionate to those who fear him." (Psalm 103:13 NLT) When a loved one is lost, His desire is to bring them into the light of His salvation.
Almost a year ago, a father in New Zealand reached out with a desperate plea: “Please pray for my son’s salvation. Pray for him to have an encounter with Jesus and be radically saved and transformed.” The ministry team joined him in fervent prayer, trusting God for a miracle.
“To open their eyes so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the dominion of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who have been sanctified by faith in Me.” (Acts 26:18 NASB)
Recently, the father shared an extraordinary testimony. “God got his attention big time! My son was in a very bad place, but the Lord saved him. He was a changed man. His marriage was also amazingly restored.”
However, the story took a heart-wrenching turn. The father’s joy was mixed with profound sorrow as his son was tragically killed in a workplace accident. This loss struck close to home, revealing the depth of a father’s love and heart for his children. Despite this immense loss, the father’s faith remained steadfast. “But thank God he was saved when he died,” he wrote. His son’s salvation brought comfort and assurance of his eternal destiny.
In moments of deep grief, many turn to the comforting words of Scripture, seeking solace in God's promises. Psalm 147:3 (NASB) says, "He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds." The Passion Translation eloquently expresses it as, "He heals the wounds of every shattered heart," bringing peace and reminding us of God’s closeness in our most painful moments.
Derek Prince captures the essence of hope through resurrection in Christ - “Just as death is the universal fate of all, through their descent from Adam, so resurrection from the dead is the universal appointment of God for all; and this is made possible through the death and resurrection of Christ.” His teachings always provide clarity and hope, offering light especially in the darkest times.
For those praying for unsaved loved ones, Derek Prince's radio series You and Your Household offers practical wisdom: “Never let the devil use this means to rob you of the joy of your salvation. Do not give way to discouragement. The Holy Spirit is the Comforter, not a discourager. When everything around you seems to give way, turn to the Scriptures for encouragement.”
The father's unwavering faith amidst tragedy and the profound impact of his son's salvation highlight the importance of persistent prayer and trust in God's promises. We pray that you are encouraged to hold steadfast in your prayers and seek comfort in God's Word, knowing that His love and faithfulness endure through all circumstances. On this journey, you may find Derek Prince's series You and Your Household and Hope Beyond Grief helpful resources.