283 How To Hold On To Hope When Your Child Becomes a Prodigal

Episode Summary: 

As a parent, we try to do the best job we can raising our children. While children don’t come with a “how-to” manual, God gives us wisdom in His word. Proverbs 22:6 tells us “Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” So, what do we do, when our children choose their own path? On this episode, I chatted with Laine Lawson Craft and we discussed her story, her pain, her wounds, and now her sacred scars that came after walking a long journey with three prodigal children.

Quotables from the episode:

In simple terms, a prodigal child is challenged and gets off track despite being raised under the wisdom of God.

I thought I was doing everything God destined me to do. Yet all three of my children succumbed to the enemy and encountered battles with depression, drugs, alcohol, and pornography, and I didn’t even know how big the battle was.

As a mother who tried to raise my children in the Lord, when they turned from Him, I experienced shame, guilt, and fear. We have a very dark world we’re raising our kids in.

The phone is the #1 tool our enemy uses against our kids.

When we step out for the kingdom of God, we become a target for our children.

Our son was high and drunk and in an Uber car when he encountered Jesus. He didn’t have to clean up before God began working in his life.

Every prayer we pray is captured in heaven. Prayer is your most powerful, essential weapon.

God is creating a story that brings Him glory.

The only way we have a story is with a Savior who redeems us.

God redeems me every day. I know without a doubt it was the Lord who came in, rescued my children, and set them free.

God underscored the message of hope that at no-one is too far gone, too messed up, for the hand of God to touch their heart and change their life. And that forever changed me.

God loves you right where you are. God loves you and your prodigal. You don’t have to clean up for God to come in, and rescue and deliver you.

Don’t give up “in the meantime” when your prodigal child may be mean while you are waiting for God to change their heart and their ways. You may be disappointed, discouraged, and at times hopeless, but don’t give up.

God has a great plan for your child, and He is the true parent of your child. He formed them into your womb and has plans for them and we can partner with God and trust Him that He will bring them home!

Realize today that you are NOT in war with your defiant child you are in war with the darkness and evil of the world! 

Scripture References:

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

2 chronicles 20:15 ESV ‘Do not be afraid and do not be dismayed at this great horde, for the battle is not yours but God's.

Isaiah 62

Recommended Resources: 

• The Parent’s Battle Plan: Warfare Strategies to Win Back Your Prodigal by Laine Lawson Craft
• 5 Warfare Prayers for Prodigal Children
• How to Win Back a Prodigal Child, Teen, or Young Adult—Your Hope Filled Perspective Episode 205 
• Hope for Parents of Prodigal Children –Your Hope Filled Perspective Episode 126
• 10 Hope Filled Responses When You Love a Prodigal 
• 4 Ways to Pray for Our Prodigal Children
• How to Treat a Prodigal Child: Rediscover the Jewel
• Prodigal Child: Hope and Healing When Your Loved One Has Gone Astray
• Sacred Scars: Resting in God’s Promise That Your Past Is Not Wasted by Dr. Michelle Bengtson 
• The Hem of His Garment: Reaching Out to God When Pain Overwhelms by Dr. Michelle Bengtson
• YouVersion 5-Day Devotional Reaching Out To God When Pain Overwhelms  
• Today is Going to be a Good Day: 90 Promises to Start Your Day Off Right by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the AWSA 2023 Inspirational Gift Book of the Year Award, the Christian Literary Awards Reader’s Choice Award in four