Forsake your family. . .?

Question

I have been working full time in a ministry now for a year and a half. at just 18 that might be a shocker.
But i have also been on my own since I was 12.
Both of my parents were drug addicts and left my sister and I to fend for ourselves.
I now live in a different state than the rest of my family, and I miss them alot but I know this is where God called me to be.

Do you think that it is wrong to forsake your family for the call of God?

Mathew 19:29

Maybe I should expand alittle bit. I have resumed contact with my parents, our relationships are getting better everyday, I continue to pray for them all the time.
I just wanted to see what peoples oppinions where on the matter.
I know that I can always do Gods will, But I was called here. I feel that this is the best place for me to be.
the best place to act upon my calling.
Some people have told me that they think it is wrong to choose God over your family, and even though I know that to be false, I wanted to see what other opinions were out there.

I would never joke about something like this.
That is the candy coated version of my life.
when I was younger I had the hardest time understanding why God would put me in a family like mine.
Now I realise that He put me there for a reason.
If I hadent gone through the things I went through I would not be who I am today.

Now I have the chance to minister to people who have experienced similar situations and show them how faithful God really is.

Answer 1

Dear Bonchita,

You must have quite an amazing life-- and thankfully you have God in your life- how difficult your situation must be to deal with.

First of all let's clarify- that it was your parents who forsook you. If you are able to forgive them for the past- perhaps you might begin by getting back in contact with them and sharing about God's calling in your life and just re-building up that relationship.

At that point if they object- then you will have to really pray it through and listen to their points of objection (though you may or may not agree with them). At that point you would truly be making a decision to forsake them or the call of God.

In the passage in Matthew 19:29- it is true that our beliefs will often separate families. But in your case it is not your faith that caused a separation - it was your parents drug abuse.

Be prayerful and gentle. And be clear to share your opinion as well as to listen to theirs. Along with the guidance of the Holy Spirit- i'm sure you'll be lead to make the right decision...

Kindly,

Nickster

Answer 2

You should definitely go where God calls you to go. That doesn't mean you have to forsake your family, though, especially in this day and age.

If it is just a matter of a different state, I suggest getting yourself a cell phone so that you can keep in touch with them. Even the cheapest plans generally include long distance and unlimited nights and weekends.

If they won't accept what you've done with your life, then that is how it is. You can't force them, but you should pray for them. I would hope that you could at least stay in touch with your sister.

It's very refreshing to find someone your age so devoted to the Lord.

Answer 3

Understand the context of what Jesus was saying...He meant there must be a detachemtn from the things of this world in order to be His follower...and that means at times leaving family behind to go into the world and preach the Good News...especially if your family would hold you back from the mission He has planned for you.

Think about it- would Jesus Christ expect you to turn your back on your family if they needed you? No, of course not. But it sounds as though it was your parents who have forsaken YOU.

This is the 21st century. Phones, email...living in another state does not mean you must break contact with your family if you want them as a part of your life.

Besides....forgiveness is a Christian duty. What a wonderful example you would set for the people you minister to if you were to walk the walk and heal division within your own family.

Answer 4

You are brave and I commend you for not turning to the streets and giving up. The Holy Spirit gave you strength rise above your challenges for a reason.

It sounds like you are in the place where you need to be but that does not mean that you can not go back and visit your family and try to establish a relationship with them. Why would you forsake your family? If anything, establishing a relationship with them again may be an opportunity to bring your family members to Christ.

Answer 5

Did you truly forsake them hon? I don't think so, because forsaking them means to leave them completely and it seems to me they are still in your heart.

Are you saying you left your sister to fend for herself while you went into the ministry? Perhaps you can fix that by having her move to you. Or sending her what money you can and keeping in touch. If that's the case, it sounds like you feel guilty, as though you are doing the same thing your parents did. That's not true sweetie, you are doing God's will, not abandoning your responsibilities to the whim of a drug.

Answer 6

I believe in callings from God and if that's where you truly believe you should be then stay and do His work.
As far as your parents go it sounds like you are on the right path there also. You said you are talking to them and the relationship is getting better.I'm sorry to hear what you went through but I think it took a lot of God's love in you to get in contact with them again.
Keep up His work...God bless

Answer 7

Sounds like they left you first. Sometimes as much as we love them our familys may be bad associations.
Make new friends I feel you must be involved with a group of Christians? Surely you are not on your own in the world now?
Make them your family and draw close to them. The best way?
Do good things for them. Help an old person get to church or to the store. The best way to make friends is to be a friend.

Answer 8

You are only Forsaking your Family if, well you know, if you have Kids and Leave them Behind and they arn't being taken care of, starving etc.
You know, your Concious will let you know if your doing something wrong.
If your Family (not kids) are doing O.K., and your just not around to Pow Around with them, then there is Nothing wrong with being somewhere Else Serving GOD.
You will know when your Forsaking People, no matter who or why etc.
I could Forsake my Employer,hahaha, hahaha, oh well.

Answer 9

Sounds like they forsook you, first honey. What about your sister? Is she with you still? I hope you are praying for your parents, because there's nothing that the Lord loves more than to take a wretched life and turn it around for His honor and glory. There's also nothing wrong with a phone call or a loving note to let them know you are still carrying a burden in your heart for them and a desire to see them turn their lives around for the good. God Bless you and your sister.

Answer 10

Nope. You are doing what is best for you. In the bible, it does not say that we have to be around bad people/family. We are suppose to honor our parents, but if they do not respect or honor us, then we are not liable. I asked a youth minister about this once because I had a real problem with my mother who stole things/money from me and lied to me and dated underage boys at my school.
It is good to forgive, but you do not need or have to be around them. You can always send a nice card or letter if you want to keep in touch and let them know that you care.