A Light in the Window...

Fathers and mothers of prodigals have very much in common; and,  incidentally, most all prodigals or wayward's are very similar in the sense that they, at some point in time, made a decision to go their own way.   Either mentally, physically or both.   Now, the ways or methods of prodigals may be very different, but most prodigals take their first step on the long, long prodigal road with a simple "you can't make me" attitude or action.  In defying parents, the prodigals defy God.  

The Wayward Road

The pretty lures of the world entice prodigals in different ways.  As children grow older, the lure of radio, television, internet, friends, etc., etc., becomes stronger and brighter.    Forbidden fruit is usually in the hand of a friend who is not likely fully welcome or accepted in the family home.  The first steps are so innocuous that they're often missed or dismissed by trusting parents.  These little steps over the line, in time, become giant leaps and it's often the giant leap that catches the surprised attention of parents.  The impetus to these little side steps is so varied, but down the road, parents of prodigals look back and can generally pin point the beginning of the slide —  the beginning of the wayward road.

Some wayward's or prodigals begin drifting into music, computer games, online communities, friends and so on.  Then, once stepping outside the bounds of home and authority, they're lured by freedom and independence and generally a shroud of secrecy.  Some are led astray by lies, by drugs — some by alcohol, and some by crime.   They seem to emotionally disconnect or close out all Truth.  And usually when this occurs, they've erected walls that seemingly cannot be scaled - either by them (to return) or by parents seeking to bring them back home.  The pain is seemingly unbearable for the  parents and even for the prodigal; though the pain for the prodigal is different: it's a gnawing, wasting pain. 

As opposed to true prodigals or runaways, there's another quasi prodigal or quasi wayward, these are: physically present prodigals or physically present wayward's.  They may still be at the table most meal times, still have a bed or a bedroom in the home,  may even contribute something to the family and home, still have a seat in the family van, still occupy a seat in the church, but these have closed their hearts and minds to Truth, they are closed to Jesus, they generally have a very secret "other-life"  or "other-self."

I seek to offer encouragement to stay still in the Hand of the Potter.  Be still and know that He is God... He will be exalted among the heathen, He will be exalted in the earth.  Cling to the hem of His garment.  Cling to the Hand of the LORD who is only Faithful.  Trust in His Word.  Hold onto His promises.  Be instant in prayer, filled with thanksgiving... Trust in His promises:
 

Train up a child in the way he should go:
and when he is old, he will not depart from it.
Proverbs  22.6

Dear Mother... pray.
Do every thing you're responsible to do.  Every day: seek the LORD for THIS day, ask Him what He would have of you for this day - not tomorrow, not yesterday.  Today.  Repent of ANY known sin.  Confess and correct any known wrong on your part.  Do what you said you would do -- fulfill the promises you made, and so long as it depends on you to do it, do it.  Then... every day seek to yield your life, your husband's life, your children's lives and that wayward's life to the LORD.  Live according to the Word and do not waiver in your pursuit to live according to the will and way of the LORD.

 

	How to Release Your Prodigal Child
	The Prayer Every Mother Must Pray
	Twelve Ways to Love Your Prodigal Child - Abraham Piper
	Loving Your Wayward Child
	Of Roses and Wayward Children
	What About These Wayward Children
	Fathering the Prodigal Child (listen)
	Perfect Love  The Qualities of True Love--Part 4  by  John MacArthur
	Lessons in the Valleys - The Valley of Trouble
	Loving the Prodigal Child - Dennis Rainey     this link was changed... you'll need to go to the broadcast directory     to find one of the programs that dealt with prodigals -- there are a few.
	This is a quote I just read from an article at: http://www.troubledwith.com Parents cannot give up. Parents cannot cut off all contact Parents cannot negate the wrong choices Parents cannot reverse the damages

I don't know if the above will help you in your situation... but I do know this for certain:  Giving up is not an option.  Cutting off all contact is not an option.  Negating or negotiating wrong choices is not an option.  Reversing the damages is not an option -- that is to say, whatever precipitated the wrong choices is done.  You cannot recreate the past.  If you made stupid parenting decisions, if you weren't there as a parent, if you messed up -- whatever -- you have to get past the idea that you can *today* make your *yesterdays* or their *yesterdays* any different.

But you CAN learn from the past.  You CAN learn from your mistakes and tragedies.

You have today.  That's all you've got: today.  If you've got a prodigal today, do something today... pray, call, pray, seek to communicate, pray, quit doing the stupid in your life and live the rest of your days -- by the grace of God -- according to all that He has commanded you.
 

Stand on the promises of God.