Hope for the Parent of a Prodigal Child

Parents of prodigal children often times encounter despair and discouragement over their wayward child’s behavior. Hopelessness can sneak in and capture the minds and hearts of these parents.

Today’s article will be a message of hope that the Lord placed upon my heart for hurting parents. I pray that each parent who reads this today will be strengthened in their faith, have Divine peace, and restored hope.

May our Lord speak to you today through the following words:

The Lord knows that you have grown weary for your child. God has seen and heard the countless cries, prayers, and petitions for your child. God has not forgotten you or your child. The enemy has made things look impossible. He has shown you a distorted picture. Your adversary would have you cower in fear and live in dread. He has lied to you!

Though it may look like it is over, it is just ‘birth pangs” before the glorious “delivery” of your child. Love your child in the midst of their “pig pen.” Speak life, blessings, and scriptures over them. Speak the Word instead of the circumstance.

God knows that you are in a battle, and He will frequently pull you away for you to sit at His feet to commune with Him. Do not resist this time because it will bring you the refreshment and strategic plans you will need for this fight. Surrender your child fully into the hands of Christ. Let them go, but always be watching and waiting for their return.

There is nothing too big for God. When the enemy shows you something about your child that is upsetting, speak the Word of God back to him! Expect that God is always working on the behalf of your child, and that He is continually pursuing them.

You are not alone in your struggle as a prodigal parent. Waiting on your prodigal child to come to their senses and escape the trap of the enemy can be excruciating. Watching your rebellious child fall and suffer the consequences of their choices can be the most difficult for you. Take hope! God is orchestrating events in your child’s life to bring them back to Him (Read the story about the prodigal son, Luke 15:11-32).

Be mindful not to manipulate by trying to be the Holy Spirit in their lives. Do not give up, no matter how long your child has been away in the world, and avoid demanding time frames for their return-this will lead to frustration and discouragement. God has a plan, and He is working it out!

One of the best ways you can cultivate hope for your child is to pray scriptures over them daily. Ask the Lord to give you specific scriptures in the Bible to speak over them.

Never give up. If they are breathing; there is hope!

“Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved, you and your household.” Acts 16:31

“Praise the Lord! Blessed is the man who fears the Lord, who delights greatly in His commands. His descendants will be mighty on earth; the generation of the upright will be blessed.” Psalm 112:1-2

If you are a parent of a prodigal, would you please share the hope that you have. Let us know how we can pray for you? My prayers and heart are with you.