The best any mom of boys can hope for is to end up with daughters-in-law who love Jesus. My husband and I are blessed with two such young women–one, has been in our family for 5 years and the other, will join us in a few short months. We prayed for them, for many years.

We prayed for women who would have the fortitude, character, and grace, to put up with our wonderfully imperfect sons.

Women who would stay with our sons for the long haul, through thick and thin–forgiving, encouraging, helping–choosing to love them in spite of their flaws.

Women with whom our boys could celebrate their successes and find grace in their failures.

God in his amazing love and mercy answered our prayers and brought us these two beautiful, strong, souls.

Oh, I know our sons and daughters-in-law will face many ups and downs in their marriages as the years go by, but our prayer is that with a firm foundation in Jesus Christ they will weather the storms with strength and character, choosing to love one another day after precious day, relying on the strength and power of the Holy Spirit to sustain their marriage.

Moms of boys, begin now to pray for godly, grace-filled young women for your sons. It’s never too soon to start. Pray for young women who love Jesus and who see their marriage as an extension of that love.

God is good. He knows your innermost thoughts and the fervent desires of your heart. His ear is tuned to those who love and honor Him. He will hear you.

I look forward to seeing what God does in the lives of our married children in the coming years as he works in their lives, sanctifying and refining them, making them more like Him. Using them as couples, as families, to further His kingdom here on earth.

We are so thankful for the great gift God has given to our sons, and to us, in blessing us with Christ-following daughters-in-law. I pray that you will experience the same joy and blessing.

If you’re reading this and have a daughter-in-law who does not know Jesus Christ as her Savior, don’t despair. You could very well be the one who ultimately leads her into a relationship with Christ as you love her unconditionally, show her support in her marriage, and be the wife that God calls you to be in your own marriage. Be a godly, encouraging, patient and non-meddling mother-in-law! That will speak volumes to her!

“Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.” Mark 11:24 (ESV)

“If you abide in me and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.” Matthew 7:7 (ESV)

“Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.” 1 Peter 4:8 (NIV)