5. God can restore and redeem your prodigal.
The apostle Paul gives me great hope. He spent a significant portion of his life far from God doing wicked things. When God saved him however, he turned the world upside down for Christ.
“And I will restore to you the years the locust has eaten,” (Joel 2:25).
6. Your prodigal should not steal your joy or faith.
There will be times when you feel as though your heart is breaking. When you wonder if you can climb out of bed and face another day. When your thoughts and mind are consumed with thoughts of your prodigal child. Where is he? Is he safe? Who is he with? These thoughts are normal and should be your impetus to pray—and pray hard.
If we allow our children’s rebellion to strip us of our faith and joy, however, we might be guilty of idolatry. Am I worshiping my children instead of worshiping God? Do I value them so much that their absence can strip me of my faith? Of my ability to experience joy? Of my desire to serve and worship God?
Some of the darkest times of my parenting life have also been some of the sweetest times of my spiritual life. When I come to God broken, helpless, frightened, and weak, he meets me there. He speaks words of healing to my heart. He becomes my mighty warrior. He quiets my frightened spirit and strengthens my trembling soul. When I feel as though everything precious has been stripped away, I discover that the greatest treasure remains.
The prophet Habakkuk describes what steadfast faith looks like:
“Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior,” (Habakkuk 3:17-18).
Brokenhearted mama, it’s ok to cry. But cry in the arms of your Savior. Don’t be afraid to ask him for great and mighty things on behalf of your child. Trust him for a miracle.
And remember that nothing is too hard for him.
