A Letter To Mothers Of Prodigals

Chris commented on my ability to talk about my son being a prodigal- he said he wouldn't tell anyone if his son was. But I just told him that I only tell people I know will pray and can accept that we all are sinners in need of God's grace.

Yes, sometimes I feel ashamed of the things my son does, but I still love him and I am not ashamed to ask for prayer. I know that Christ died for him as well as me and there is no condemnation for him or me as the mother of a prodigal, because I am in Christ and He knows how hard I tried to bring him up unto the LORD.

So, dear hurting mother, don’t let shame get in the way of the LORD continuing a good work in your life, but learn to trust in Him and be comforted by Him during your trials. Continue your own walk in the faith. By so doing, you will not give the Evil One another advantage: you losing your faith and witness as well as your child.... however temporary or permanent that may turn out to be.

I don't mean to sound like I "have it all" or "have arrived"- the LORD knows, I don't- and I don't know it all either..I am just sharing some thoughts that have helped me in the difficult times in my life as the mother of a prodigal.

Also, just as a by the by... I don't run up to the cashier at Safeway and tell her my life story either. It's a personal matter best kept amongst Christian family who will pray.. so let’s pray for each other as we wait on the LORD to bring our prodigals back home!

[There is] therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. Romans 8:1 (posted with permission from Morning Cuppas with Glenys)

4 comments:

Jerry Bouey said...

No matter where someone is, from our perspective, if they are still living there is still hope.

Ecclesiastes 9:4 For to him that is joined to all the living there is hope: for a living dog is better than a dead lion.

Those that are easily discouraged may give up at times, but we can have hope - a confident expectation that God can and will move in a person's heart and life.

Adam Tigges said...

Think of it this way, parents: if you're useful to God, the devil will come after you. If he can't get you, he'll be out to get anything you love in an attempt to injure you.

He wanted to destroy man in the Garden, because Satan hates God, and God loves man. And he'll be out to get your kids if he can't get to you. By attacking what's dear to you, he's hoping you'll quit.

My brother's a prodigal, and my Dad always reminds me to pray for him. He has grasped the principle that if he and Mom give up on God, my little brother will have nowhere to come back to.

Someday Lord willing he'll get tired of the pigpen and remember home. It's important that prodigals have a godly home to return to, and the only ones who can ensure that is the parents with heaven's help.

Prodigal children are in many cases evidence of godly parents: by being sold out for Jesus, they more than got the devil's attention. All readers with prodigals have my prayers.

Phyllis Blickensderfer said...

Never give up on your prodigals!! Mine took more than twenty years from the time he walked away from God's will until he returned. My father-in-law's story took much longer with deeper heartache.

Keep the entire family aware of the hope of return so they will not be as the other brother. It is a great blessing when all are involved in the return.

JTR said...

Amen to all comments. Praying for God to do a work here, and in your families. Satan does try to defeat us, but God is GREATER!