“Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.” Proverbs 22:6

Prodigals and Promises

My brother. My niece. My own children. And many more. These are all either prodigals in my life or people whom God has called me to pray for and/or given me a promise regarding. This subject is tender to me and one that much of my prayer life is focused on.

My brother has struggled since he was a teen with addiction. A few years ago, I was honored to pray the salvation prayer with him over the phone and welcome him into the kingdom. Still his struggle continues. BUT I know the promises! My prayer for him is that he will see victory this side of heaven.

My niece, entering adulthood, has made less than best-for-her choices and I have seen much heartbreak come to her parents in this season. My prayer for her is that this is a short season and there will be a quick repentance and change towards living for Him again.

My children, although young, exhibit signs of defiance and a desire to “live their own way” instead of following the path of our teaching and example to them. My promise and prayer for them is the verse above. I am responsible to do the job God gave me and the rest is up to Him. I trust Him and know that He always has the best in mind and it will all be for His glory.

I hope and pray that this devotion reaches someone right at His perfect timing when she needs it most. I have felt called to write this for months and answered His call to sit down and write it today!

Many years ago, God gave me a Scripture promise for my family, in particular concerning my brother. The passage can be found in Deuteronomy 4:29-31. It is preceded by the LORD talking to the Israelites about being scattered, serving other gods and basically being “prodigals.” But then…

“But from there you will seek the LORD your God, and you will find Him if you seek Him with all your heart and with all your soul. When you are in distress, and all these things come upon you in the latter days, when you turn to the LORD your God and obey His voice, (for the LORD your God is a merciful God), He will not forsake you nor destroy you nor forget the covenant of your fathers which He swore to them.”

 This passage spoke to me that although my brother has wandered and followed after false “gods” in his life, the promise is that he WILL seek the LORD and find him. Now as he is in distress, I believe he WILL turn to the LORD and obey his voice. God IS merciful and will not forsake my brother or the promises He has given me and my parents.

“Dear Sovereign Father, nothing is a surprise to You. I believe the promises You have given me regarding my children, my family, and those you have called me to pray for. Please let the new seasons for these people come soon. And as my children grow into adults, please help me remember to release them, even now, into Your care. May You receive all the glory for these things. Amen.”