Great news to report – I talked with three different women this past week who have been praying for years for prodigals. Two for prodigal sons and one for a nephew who is like a son. All of these young men marked spiritual milestones recently.
Aaron attended church with a friend and responded during the invitation, giving his heart to Christ. This is a huge answer to long-term prayer. For the past few months, Aaron has been living in a rehab home, breaking free from some strongholds and gingerly pursuing Christ. His decision to fully receive Jesus as Savior is a giant leap forward. I’m just rejoicing with his aunt, my dear friend, and celebrating with her the joy of having her prodigal return home from his painful journey to the distant country.
Nick, who has spent the last several months in a highly disciplined, Bible-based, intervention environment, recently told his mom that, “Now he knows what she means by a personal relationship with Christ.” Praise you Jesus! Nick’s prodigal longings prompted him to wander away from a Christian upbringing where he knew about Christ but did not fully understand what it meant to know Him personally. After much concern and many years of praying, this dear family is literally blown away by God’s hand at work in their son’s life. Not only has Nick come home to the Father’s love, but he is already being used by God to encourage others to do the same.
I ran into the mother of the third young man recently at a restaurant. With tears in her eyes she explained why she and her girlfriends were enjoying lunch together that particular day. They had just come from the Christian school where her son, a former prodigal, had spoken in a service. What joy! What fruit, to see her son come full circle. Not only has he returned home, but now he warns others of the pitfalls along the prodigal’s path. All along, God heard her prayers. From behind the scenes God worked to woo her boy back while she prayed.
Are you still at it – wrestling in prayer for your prodigals? Don’t grow weary! Remember, you will reap a harvest if you don’t give up (Galatians 6:9).
Can you see it – can you see far enough forward to believe that God not only wants your prodigal to return home, but He also intends to redeem the years the locusts have eaten? He longs to use your prodigal for His glory. Look ahead with eyes of faith and pray on!
Do you know someone whose heart is breaking over a wayward prodigal son, daughter, husband, wife or friend? Would you consider purchasing a copy of the Praying for Your Prodigal study and passing it along to them as a gift? We are watching God use this study of Luke chapter 15 to fire up and train prayer warriors who then labor for their loved ones, witnessing God working to bring them home.
Maybe you would consider leading a small group study of Praying for Your Prodigal in your home or church. Gather friends and battle together. You can order the study at www.furtherstillministries.org.
Remember, when you pray for a prodigal, pray like it matters because it does!
We thank you, Lord, for calling these three young men back to Yourself. Thank you for rescuing them and giving them life. Thank you for answered prayer. We continue to ask that you use them for the rest of their days to bring you honor and glory. And, we cry, “Do it again, Lord.” Do it again in the lives of so many other prodigals. In Jesus mighty name, Amen.
Leave a Reply