prodigal:
a fool
thick headed
empty headed
lacking moral sensitivity
wicked - a person who knowingly involves themselves in moral perversion
that was me
i couldn't help but think of my parents during sunday's message on how to deal with a prodigal. it left me hoping they heard a message like this at some point duirng my rebellious years.
they must have because they seemed to know what to do.
they were my lighthouse in my raging storm
they practiced the 3 "p's": pray, pesist and plan
they relinquished me (gave me freedom to deal with directly with God); released me (gave me over to myself) and restored me (welcomed me back with open arms)
i can't imagine it was easy for them to do any of this. what a blessing it is to have godly parents who obey the Lord. although, i still bear some consequences of my prodigal lifestyle, i've repented and been fully restored by God's truly amazing grace.
although i pray that my own kids will somehow be spared from a prodigal's life - at least God gives me directions (pray, persist and plan....relinquish, release and restore) and hope in his soveriegnty, mercy and grace.
"arise, cry out in the night, as the watches of the night begin; pour out your heart like water in the presence of the Lord. lift up your hands to him for the lives of your children..." Lam. 2:19
NATHAN | class of 2024
2 years ago
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ReplyDeleteThank you for this. Some parents never know if what they were doing at the time is right. Our prayers for you have been answered. It has been a joy to watch you return to the Lord and also to bring up your children to love Jesus. We also have the privilege to pray for them. You exhibit all the fruits of the spirit: love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness and faithfulness.
ReplyDeleteIt has been my personal privilege to be able to talk to you about things of the Lord and have you share your wisdom and perspective.
And just like the prodigal son we have reason to celebrate. How about the first day of summer dinner? :)