God Saves Prodigals

Helen saw the closeness of their family shattered when one of her children went the way of the world. She and her husband prayed and cried together and painfully asked each other, "Have I done something wrong?"

Helen began giving special time to night praying, each night assigning herself a promise to study and pray through. One promise was Isaiah 45:11: "Ask Me about the things to come concerning My sons, and you shall commit to Me the work of My hands" (NASB). Her child was to be given over to God. He was the work of His hands (Psalm 139:13-16).

She learned from Daniel 9:21 that Daniel prayed in extreme weariness and that God strengthened him when he prayed (Daniel 10:19), so it was not always time to quit praying when she was tired.

Four years passed and during that time the pain caused by their child's rebellion never diminished. But God's promises gave her spiritual strength and assured her that His answer would come... "Though it linger, wait for it; it will certainly come and will not delay" (Habakkuk 2:3). She learned to say, "My times are in your hands" (Psalm 31:15).

Their family is whole again. The once wayward child prays with them and relishes opportunities to be with them.

Thank You, Lord, for teaching us to pray so we have access to the greatest power on earth.

Promises for parents:
 "I will contend with those who contend with you, and your children I will save" (Isa. 49:25).

"Do not be afraid, for I am with you; I will bring your children from the east and gather you from the west. I will say to the north, 'Give them up!' and to the south, 'Do not hold them back.' Bring my sons from afar and my daughters from the ends of the earth" (Isa. 43:5-6).