I have a prodigal child in my dear daughter. By dictionary definition the prodigal is "Rashly or wastefully extravagant". This is my girl! She has brought me much joy in life along with much despair. We have had seasons of this despair and this is one of them. I have periods during this time when I take my eyes off of my Savior and on to the situation and I weep. I weep in fear and terror. My God is not a god of fear that title belongs to the enemy. My hope needs to be in Christ. Well meaning brothers and sisters point out my prodigal's comings and goings. They share her shortcomings with me and advise me in disciplinary measures. This only aids the enemy in taking my eyes off of my Savior, her Savior.
The parent of a prodigal already knows their comings and goings. The parent of a prodigal already is well aware of their short comings. In reminding them only intensifies the grief and stokes the fire of fear.
The parent of the prodigal needs encouragement and they need prayer. Remind this parent that you are also praying for this child. If God is calling you to reach out to this prodigal, DO IT! This parent is also praying for a godly person to come alongside of her prodigal. It may not be you, but it may be you.
Not only am I a parent of a prodigal but I am also the wife of a non-believing husband who is the prodigal's step parent. The lack of emotional and spiritual support further compounds the pain. The ultimatum of having to choose between a child or spouse should never be a reality but hence it is more real than I care to admit at this time.
I took my eyes off of Him. Until this morning. He is in control. He is asking me as He did Abraham. I need to take my prodigal to the altar and trust Him that He will provide the lamb. He will open the doors that need to be opened and close the ones that are never to be entered. Standing in the gap for those who are astray is not only a privilege but it is essential obedience.
2 comments:
Thank you for your blog entry. :- )
Much blessings,
~ KiM
My prayers are with you...there is as great book by Ruth Bell Graham called, "Prodigals and Those Who Love Them". God has used this book (along with His word) many times to encourage me in my darkest times. One chapter by her daughter-in-law was particularly encouraging. She put into words what I had not been able to articulate. I have had two prodigals (out of 5...so far)...one who has since come back and one who is still in his "foreign land" (although close enough so that I can see him regularly)...I have seen God's grace, faithfulness, and comfort through these difficult years and I trust Him implicitly but that doesn't mean that it is not heart wrenching. I have cried myself to sleep many a night...hang in there my sister in Christ!
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