the defeat of disobedience
"Just as you were once disobedient to God and now have received mercy through their disobedience, so they have become disobedient — since God wished to show you mercy — that they too may receive mercy." —Romans 11:30-31
I've known numerous married couples who were not close to the Lord before having children. After becoming parents, however, they were brought to faith in Jesus out of concern for their children. At times, the disobedience of the children had the result of bringing the parents to heroic faith amid great sorrow, and even peace beyond all understanding (Phil 4:7). In some cases, it was the disobedience of the children that led to the conversion of the parents. God showed great mercy to the parents through the disobedience of their children (Rm 11:30). Often the fervent, continual prayers of the parents then led to the conversion and subsequent obedience of the children.
It is God's plan to turn human disobedience into an occasion of mercy (Rm 11:31-32; see also Rm 5:20-21). "We know that God makes all things work together for the good of those who love Him" (Rm 8:28).
Jesus' obedience defeated the disobedience of all mankind. "Through one Man's obedience all shall become just" (Rm 5:19). Likewise, God plans to use our obedience to overcome the disobedience of others. Obey Jesus. Defeat disobedience.
Prayer: Father, make my obedience complete so that Satan will be quickly crushed (Rm 16:19-20; 2 Cor 10:4-6).
Promise: "You should be pleased that they cannot repay you, for you will be repaid in the resurrection of the just." —Lk 14:14
Praise: Robert's mother's prayers for him were answered twenty years later when he returned to Confession.
Reference: (This teaching was submitted by a member of our editorial team.)
Rescript: †Most Reverend Daniel E. Pilarczyk, Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, April 3, 2007
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