…2 “Honor your father and mother” (which is the first commandment with a promise), 3 “that it may go well with you and that you may have a long life on the earth.--Ephesians 6:2-3, Berean Standard Bible

Sometimes it's a challenge to honor one's parents, especially if their spiritual beliefs are different, but the LORD helps us learn to accept and love and honor them, as only He can. 

My husband and I had been praying for help for Mom, my dear elderly, widowed, diseased, very crippled 81-year-old mother.  

We had also been praying for the LORD to give us strategies to get out of debt, and have more to give to the Kingdom.

When dear Mom fell again (with no one at the house that night to help her, because she'd insisted that she didn't need anyone) and cracked two ribs and was found on the floor after several hours, she had to go to the hospital, then the rehab; several days each.

During this time, when we were with her in the emergency room that first night, grief and anger at the devil's work in her life temporarily overwhelmed me.  My dear mother never should have had to suffer all the mess she'd suffered with, and none of it was God's will.  She was the oldest of many kids (who'd all died already), a diligent and intelligent worker, who was the one who cared for, helped, served, and gave (including financially) to everyone she knew who ever needed anything.

She had been a great leader of our kids' clubs and more, having her own cake decorating business, being a talented artist, successful salesperson, cheerleader at the events of my brother and I, etc. She and Dad had also been there for me in the hardest of times, and been very gracious, giving, understanding, compassionate--and covenant faithful.

However, with all her goodness, her life had not been built on the Word of God, but on the medical and pharmaceutical system.  From what I knew and she had said, she didn't really believe the LORD could or would heal her from the many afflictions she'd suffered, especially the past six years since Dad died.

By the way, try as we might, we cannot believe for someone else. They must make their own choices, and only the LORD knows the heart of a person. I have had to learn not to judge, and to be very, very thankful for the teaching of the Word that I have received through the years.

We know the Truth, and He makes and keeps us free! Hallelujah!

30 As Jesus spoke these things, many believed in Him. 31 So He said to  the Jews who had believed Him. "If you continue in My  word, you are  truly My disciples. 32 Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”…--John 8:30-32, Berean Standard Bible

So, the LORD dropped deeply and suddenly into my spirit, that, because we did not want to have to put Mom in a nursing home (and she insisted she wasn't going anyway), but wanted her to be able to stay in the nice home she and Dad built over 50 years ago, that I was to move in with her, to care for her 24/7, in addition to her regular daytime helpers who served her just a few hours a week. 

When the LORD shows you something clearly, your spirit knows it, and you may have to tell your mind to shut up. The details may not make sense, but God always and forever leads us in right paths, for His name's sake. 

When He does something, it's always a win-win.  This move, although requiring separation from my husband several days a week, while I  lived in one room, and serve her, including in the middle of the night changing underwear and such, cooking her and whatever else was needed, was humbling. 

However, I knew that, although Mom had been trying to get me to agree to take the house when she passed one, and I had not desired it for years, my agreement was part of the "suddenly."  

God gives us grace, though!  He is faithful forever, and with us always. He is our Rock!

The LORD knows all things, and He knows what's coming, and where we need to be.  I never intended to move back to the community where I grew up. I said for many years that I 'never' would. 

He's broken me out of almost every never in my life, but His Plan is always the best, although it may be hard on the flesh. He is faithful and good forever, and sees the whole picture; the end from the beginning. His Plans for us are so good (Jeremiah 29:11)!

So, if the LORD is talking to you about serving your aging parents--just like He convinced me that I was to be away from my dear husband for a while to take care of mom "24/7"---take time to ask a couple of choice prayer warriors to pray with you, but know that ultimately, the answer will come to your heart by His Spirit. Then be prepared to know that the answer (just like any issue in life, especially in these weird times of the Last Days!) may be different than you think.

God is faithful forever, and good all the time! 

Through books, courses, presentations, service, prayer, worship, and more, Tonja and her husband live to exalt God. Her series for girls, P.O.W.E.R. GIRL ADVENTURES, is now out (books I-V), along with LEGACY; YOUR HOLY HEALTH: VISIONS OF THE KING, and more. See the "River Rain Creative" YT channel.