The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. (John 10:10 NIV)

I haven’t heard from my prodigal for several months. She never calls to check on me, and I don’t have her phone number because she changes phone numbers often.  I guess she has no compassion or love for me.

But today, I want to encourage you. I just wanted to let you know that you are not alone. I recall thinking I was the only mom who had a daughter who turned her back on her mom, but I didn’t have to go far to find more moms and dads with wayward children.

One gentleman had a tragic story. He had several children by several wives. One of his sons raped his daughter. Then her full brother took things into his own hands and killed his half-brother for raping his sister. It sounds like something from today’s headlines, but it happened thousands of years ago to King David in the Bible.

But the story doesn’t end there. King David’s son, Absalom, fled from David for three years, after murdering his half-brother. David longed to go to Absalom (2 Sam. 13:39), but he never did.

David sent Joab to find Absalom and bring him home. Absalom lived in Jerusalem for two years before David met with him.

For forty years, Absalom interfered with people who came to the king looking for justice in a lawsuit, and Absalom won all the hearts of Israel. Absalom gathered many men and eventually committed treason against his father, the king. David had no choice but to flee from Jerusalem. Once again David lived on the run from his enemy, but it isn’t King Saul. It is his own son. The story ends with the death of Absalom. David, his family, and companions returned to Jerusalem.

I feel quite blessed after reading this story. What can we gather from this account? It can happen to anyone, even David, a man after God’s own heart. Friend, you are not to blame. Don’t berate yourself. Children have their own minds, and Satan has managed to lead many astray, even those who knew enough Bible they could preach. Satan has stolen our children and destroyed our families.

Sister, we can claim them back to God. Don’t let a day go by that you don’t fervently pray for your prodigal. God hears the prayers, and He sees the tears of a heartbroken momma. Let’s pray our children back to God.

Heavenly Father, I plead with You today that wherever my prodigal is, You will reach them. You will turn them around. Turn them toward You. Put Your hand on their life, and pull them out of the mirey pit of sin. Save them so they will not have to encounter the years of Tribulation. Then in Your perfect timing, turn them toward home. In Jesus name, Amen.

DIG DEEPER

Read Joel 2:25a NIV)

“I will repay you for the years the locusts have eaten—
   

HIKING THE TRAIL

When emotions begin tugging at your heart, let God’s Word speak to them. Emotions can be very deceitful, and the enemy wants to torture us with the abandonment of a child.

RELATED RESOURCES

It’s Mother’s Day, so treat yourself to something special. I have three recommendations:

Eyes of Faith: Winning the Battle Between Our Feelings and Our Faith describes when my daughter left me while helping us cope through God’s Word. It also includes the stories of my husband’s cancer and my vision loss.

Faith That Walks on Water: Conquering Emotional Bondage with the Armor of God is a 60-day devotional journal that helps us control our emotions rather than our emotions controlling us.

Overcoming the Overwhelming: Walking in Victorious Faith When You Don’t Feel Victorious. This 30-day devotional gives daily encouragement for our toughest storms. See them all in the shop.

Originally posted on May 4, 2023 @ 8:58 pm