Are you the parent of a prodigal child? Do you know someone who is? I have been that momma, and it is downright painful and not an easy path. It can feel lonely and isolating, but it doesn’t have to be. When we love a prodigal, we won’t be able to wipe away all of the pain, but we certainly don’t have to make this journey alone.
To this day, my heart starts beating fast, and an uneasy feeling sweeps over me every single time the phone rings at a peculiar time. My thoughts immediately jump to, “God, please no. Life has already been too hard.” Does this happen to you too?
Please know you are not alone! God will never leave you! #neveralone #prodigal Share on X“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9
God Chose You
At times, we will feel like giving up. After all, this was never what we expected. But remember, God chose you to be your child’s parent. Plus, remember, He loves our children more than we ever could.
Maybe stepping back to refuel or take a break is necessary. However, you can jump back in at any time. Also, loving your prodigal can look different, and comparing ourselves or our children to others will not help.
Choosing to lean into God's strength will help when it comes to loving a prodigal. #prodigal #choosingGod Share on X
Keep Loving Your Prodigal
Don’t give up! God calls us to keep loving our prodigals until they come home. It will be worth it!
A Great Resource
My friend, Michele Morin, wrote a fantastic post last week and highlighted a tremendous resource for parents who have a prodigal child. She writes over at Living our Days and frequently reads and reports on some fantastic books. Michele gave a brilliant review on When You Love a Prodigal: 90 Days of Grace for the Wilderness by Judy Douglass.
Maybe you don’t have a child who has strayed away. Count that as a blessing! However, we all can encourage and comfort someone who does.
It can be painful when you love a prodigal, but oh so worth it.
Now for Our Featured Post
Persevering in Extravagant Love for Your Prodigal
By Michele Morin
Click here to read our featured post.
Do you have a prodigal in your life? How can we pray for you this week?
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‘Prodigal’ seems like such a harsh word to describe my children–they are seekers who haven’t found the same path I’m on–but when I think back in my life, I was much the same when I was their age. The only time either one has been ‘prodigal’ was during a mental health crisis. It’s important to not confuse a mental health crisis with ‘prodigal’ behavior–often they look a lot alike :/
Anita, I love the way you described your seekers. I have a few of those too.
I agree a mental health crises can look a lot like a prodigal but is very different. However, I have found many of the feelings are similar. It hurts when a child turns away from you as a parent and wants nothing of you. Your desire is for them to seek help and find restoration in the relationship. In the meantime we must keep reaching in even when rejected.
Thank you for your wisdom.
Maree
I have loved a prodigal! We’re all better for it.
Yes, I agree. Maree
Yes, I know this pain Maree.
But God’s peace still flows!
Blessings,
Jennifer
Yes, it does. His peace is amazing. Maree
I have not gone through the pain and joy of having a prodigal. I can’t imagine how it feels. I do understand the gift of God’s presence and the beauty of leaning in to receive His strength. What a treat to see Michele featured here today.
Mary – Yes, it was a treat. I am so glad you have not had the pain of a prodigal. I wouldn’t wish it on anyone. However, I know we all have our pain. It just looks different. Thank you for stopping by. Maree
Maree, I was that prodigal son for several years, even decades. However, my parents continued to pray for me earnestly. It is only because of God’s grace that my heart is transforming, and I seek to glorify Him with my life. Despite the unbearable pain I caused those close to me, God still welcomed me back to Him with open arms. I love Him so much for all He’s done and continues to do in my life. Thank you for sharing this post. It has reminded me about the undeserved grace of the Savior. Be well, and God bless.
Horace, I am so glad you added your words here. You give us all hope and remind us we are called to love. We must leave the rest to God. I am so glad you found your way back to God. Blessings, Maree
I can so relate to this. Years ago a good friend prophesied Jeremiah 30.3 over me, which I didn’t understand it at the time.
Years later both my girls left home and made choices.
The youngest has decided she’s gay, and I’ve decided I gave her to God when she was 3 months old; I happen to believe God is more determined than she will ever think of being, and that He will bring her back to Him.
The older is a ‘good’ girl who is extremely lukewarm. Two weeks ago she got married, after 1331 days of living with her man. She was married by a female Reverend preacher in a winery that makes slow gin. I decided to be thankful she is married.
The Lord gave me some 138.8 some years ago, that He would perfect that which concerns me. Perfect here, in the Hebrew, means mature. Which in my opinion means right with Him.
Thank you for this encouraging post. We surely need it.
Kari
Kari, Our children sure do make choices we never anticipated. Yet, we are called to love them. I am so glad Jesus was such a great example. Congratulations on your daughter’s wedding. Blessings, Maree
I can’t imagine how painful that is. laurensparks.net
I wouldn’t wish it on anyone. But together we can help those who are going through this. Maree
Maree, thank you for spreading the word about Judy’s great resource, and it is SO true that even if we haven’t raised a prodigal, we certainly have friends who need our support and prayer for their time in the road spent waiting.
Blessings to you!
Michele – Featuring your post was so much more than just a great resource. Your words were amazing. Thank you, Maree
Maree,
I read Michele’s post and the book…excellent! I, too, am a parent of a prodigal and it is not a road that I ever envisioned myself walking. Like you, I get a pit in my stomach if I get texts in the middle of the night or if a police cruiser just happens to drive down my street. Awful memories come flying to the front of my mind. I love the meaning of prodigal (lavishly loved, etc.). This is the kind of love you pour out while setting boundaries for your own mental health. God can and will achieve His good purpose, even through prodigals and the parents who journey that road with them. Great post!
Blessings,
Bev xx
Bev,
I loved your words. I found them so comforting. Lifting you in prayer right now. Parenting is hard enough and then add what we never anticipated, and it gets challenging. However, you are so right, “God can and will achieve His good purpose.” Blessings to you, Maree
I’m so happy to see Michele’s post here. Even if our kids aren’t full-fledged prodigals, there are times in their lives when they are not in close fellowship with the Lord or are developing habits that could be detrimental, and we fear a further decline. I think many of the same principles apply.
Barbara, Yes, I think prodigal can mean many things. Maree