What can I do to positively influence my adult daughter, who has no interest in God, to become a Christian?
My daughter lives where Mormonism is very prevalent . She just moved there a year and a half ago. Prior to last week, for the 30 years I’ve known her, she has had no interest in God or anything related to Him or His teachings. What can I do? Her father and I are both Christians. I’ve been praying for her salvation all these years. Is there something else I should be doing? I can’t have her read a book or listen to a sermon against it or for Christianity because she won’t accept either. Thank you,
Romans 9:8
ESV - 8 This means that it is not the children of the flesh who are the children of God, but the children of the promise are counted as offspring.
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Tim Maas
With regard to your daughter's lack of interest in religious matters, I would have to agree with Mr. Oswin's discussion comment. Since you and your husband are both Christians, your daughter should have been introduced to Christ and the Bible through teaching and your example (including church attendance) during her formative years. If she then chooses as an adult to differ from her upbringing, the most that you can do is to continue to keep lines of communication open with her; encourage or reinforce any sign that she may show of developing an interest in Christianity; and count on the possibility of her eventually changing her opinion based on the Bible's teaching (Proverbs 22:6) that if a child is trained up in the way that he or she should go, he or she will not depart from it when old (although that could mean reaching spiritual maturity, which may not correspond to any particular chronological physical date). Also (with specific reference to Mormonism), I would again say that, if your daughter was provided with a knowledge of the Bible and of Christian teachings while she was under your care, she should be able to discern and refute (at least in her mind) the ways in which the teachings of the Mormons depart from orthodox Christianity. Finally, keep praying, and never doubt its power to ultimately address your situation. In any event, however, your daughter's eternal state is ultimately her decision and responsibility, for which she (and not you) will be held accountable by God.
Mark Sullivan
Not sure if you will see this response 2 years later --- however, as Tim Mass said, prayer. You can't control another person's soul and heart and mind; however we can show where our faith is... and that's by going to the Lord. You do the 'work,' the battle there in the spiritual realm where you can go before the throne of God (Heb 4:16) and put your daughter's soul before the Lord, asking Him over and over. This is just like the example Jesus gave of the importunate woman who knocked on the unjust judge's door over and over again until he was forced to answer and give her the justice she was requesting. Why? Because she wearied him with her constant knocking on the door. This is the example Jesus gave in Luke 18:1-8 regarding prayer and our trust In the Lord. We demonstrate that love when we go before the Lord in prayer - constantly. 1 Thessalonians 5:16... pray continually. Keep in mind that God is not unjust, but just. So this example He gave us is a great reminder of God's desire to see His children cry out to Him, to truly trust Him and go to Him over and over again. Does this guarantee your daughter's salvation? I can't say that. However, He tells us what to do. Never give up... push harder in prayer and ask the Lord to open doors. What son asks for a fish and the father gives him a stone? Think about that concept as well... The Father speaks to us through His Word communicating His heart and how we're to walk. He's telling us if we come to Him continually with faith, He wants to answer our prayers - especially those that line up with His will. 1 John 5:14. God bless you as you minister to your daughter in prayer, primarily --- then the Lord will lead you in your communications.
Donna Williams
I am in agreement with the two previous answers, and would like to encourage you as well. Continue to pray for your daughter; the Word of God tells us that the effectual fervent prayer of the righteous avails much! Keep showing her the love of God. Remember that it was the loving kindness of God that drew us to a place of repentance. Continue to be patient, for the Bible says that love is patient and it is kind. God's love never fails!
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