My dad was once a newly-saved christian during his young adult hood 20 over years back then. My mum was actually awared about the fact that his foundation was not firmly grounded, but she married him in believing that their faith can be strengthened through their marriage. However, it turned the other way round.
My dad is now a highly respectable doctor and a reputable politician among our community, not to mention, he is also a truly successful entrepenuer with various investments. And that explains why he gradually turned away from God not long after. Subsequently, he is engulfed by his pride and becomes extremely realistic to the extend that as long as he opens his mouth, he talks about money, status, status, money. He doesn't believe in God's grace and would never allow God to plan for him. On the other hand, my mum is a woman of God who is firmly rooted with the Word. If it wasn't because of her consistent faith, I wouldn't have receive the greatest gift of all ---- by knowing Jesus Christ as my personal saviour.
My mum emphasises a lot on bringing up her children in God's way and she would sternly warn my dad not to interfere. Therefore, my dad has always kept an eye closed as he knows that it is far from possible to go against my mum from bringing the children to church. However, whenever we children being immatured and rebellious during our teenage years, dad would grab this opportunity to put the blame on my mum and the church without hesitation.
Flashing back to my childhood days, I could vividly remember how my two elder brothers and me would gather together with my mum for bed time story. Mum would share with us many interesting biblical stories. I remembered when I started to acknowledge about the fact that believing Jesus Christ is the only way to eternal life, I was so worried and repeatingly asked my mum that whether dad would enter hell. Mum would always reply,'' I don't know, but let's pray for your daddy's salvation.''
I recall the times where mum and dad would quarral vigorously regarding their different opinions. Dad would get so annoyed and irritated, while mum would get exteremely disappointed and bitter at the end of the arguments. I could remember I was sitting on my mum's laps while they were quarraling. Mum was tearing while dad would yell at my mum with nasty words. Dad would try twisting the truth and mum would feel offended. These went on for many years. There was once where mum came to me and said,'' Girl, I ve prayed for 20 years and there's no answer from God. I think it is time to give up.'' Naiive and straight, I jumped up immediately, with eyes widely opened and replied with determination,'' No way! You can't give up! God is testing you! You can't be defeated now!''
Many times I felt sorry for my mum as I thought she deserves a God-fearing man who can love her dearly. I always wonder whether mum regrets marrying my dad and she would reply calmly,'' Well, no use crying over spilt milk. I used to dream of marrying a lovely Christian man too. But since I had chosen your father, then I have to live with it. Over the years I ve learned that it's useless to argue. I ve learned to try the soft way and to respect him as a husband. It's all about setting an example for him and God, yea know.''
Despite the unpleasant circimstances, I still thank God that my family is still considered as good. We live in a very wealthy situation where there isn't much issue about lacking of money. Dad has been a very good provider and a responsible father who hopes for the best future for his children. He is a man with policy with certain ethical values. As the only daughter in the household, he would treat me as his extremely precious one. I respect him a lot and is always proud of him. I am more than thankful for the strings of blessings that I ve received. However, deep within inside, I still mourn that he isn't a follower of Christ. Many times, I could get swayed by his statements and get confused. Dad would occasionally try to brain wash me by pulling me away from my faith. Then, I would quickly pray in my heart that God would help me to stand firm.
Like many others, I long to have a Godly father to guide me in God's way, discipline me through the teachings of Bible, and encourage me by worshipping God together and by prayers. I understand that nobody is prefect, and perhaps people might think that I am being too ungrateful for demanding for so much. But hey, you got the wrong point. Nothing is more important to see him coming back to God, even if we are not wealthy at all. I MEAN IT. As stated in Timothy 6:10, it is written, '' For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.'' I hate to see my dad walking towards the money path.
Nevertheless, I always believe that the seeds have been planted and God is surely working on him. Perhaps through my mum's influence and our prayers, dad occasionally agrees to attend church specifically during Christmas. There was once where Sunday service just ended, all of a sudden a church member approached my mum and said,'' Hey, I saw your husband!'' It truly brings joy to us whenever we see dad taking a step towards his faith. Perhaps my dad is just too shy. Perhaps he's just not ready to put down his ego so soon. Through these two years, I ve been trying hard to communicate and spend time with him, hoping that I can remove the multiple layers in his heart. Although sometimes it may seem like forever, but still I choose to cling on to God's promise, waiting for His perfect timing.
Ps. Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved--you and your household.--- Acts 16:31
