7 Encouragements For the Parent of a Prodigal

“Not long after that, the younger son got together all he had, set off for the distant country and there squandered his wealth in wild living.” Luke 15:13 NIV

Merriam-Webster defines a prodigal as someone who leaves home to pursue a reckless, wasteful lifestyle. That’s why it’s so heartbreaking as parents when we’ve raised our children to know the Lord and to make good choices — and ultimately, they choose a different path. We know the consequences such a lifestyle holds.

Luke 15:11-32 tells the story of a father whose son wanted his inheritance early, so he could leave home in pursuit of a prodigal lifestyle. The Bible goes on to relay while living in the “far country, this son wasted all his money on wild living.” If you are familiar with the story’s end, you know the son acknowledged his poor choices after hitting rock bottom and returned home.

Last month’s KGM virtual luncheon featured two moms of prodigal sons – one, who like the story above, had a prodigal come home after years of living in a “far country” and another who is still in the “messy middle” and unsure how her story will end.

If you have a prodigal, you are not alone. I hope these highlights shared by these two moms will offer encouragement:

Do not be ashamed. Having a prodigal can make you feel like a bad parent, cause you to question your parenting decisions, and make you wonder what you did wrong. Remember, you can do everything right (whatever that means!) and still have a child walk away. GIVE UP THE GUILT associated with feeling like you somehow failed.
You are not alone. Many other families are experiencing this situation as well.
Lean into your relationship with God. This single act is one of the most important things you can do. Obey His leading as best you can.
Surrender your child to God. The father did not follow his child to the far country. He surrendered him to God and allowed Him to work in his son’s heart and circumstances. Scripture tells us it took the son coming to the point of starvation and eating with pigs before he finally came to his senses.
Be intentional to count the blessings that are right in front of you. This awareness helps you stay hopeful.
Share your story, especially with trustworthy women whom you know connect with God. Ask them to pray for your child.
Pray and do not ever give up. God hears every prayer. While we may forget what we’ve prayed, God never does. We can trust the goodness of God.

At one time, you and I were both prodigals. How long did it take for each one of us to come to saving faith in Jesus? Sadly, I lived in the “distant country” for way too many years before coming to my senses.

If you have an adult child pursuing a reckless, wasteful lifestyle, pray for the Holy Spirit to draw your prodigal back to Jesus. Pray for patience, love, and peace.

Never forget the promise to those who love the Lord: