“The Lord will perfect that which concerns me; Your mercy and loving-kindness, O Lord, endures forever–forsake not the works of Your own hands.” Psalm 138:8 (Amplified Bible )
The story of the Prodigal son weighed on my heart today. Watching the Father allow his youngest son to leave home and experience life reminds me of the challenges we face as parents to our natural and spiritual children. The process of growing and maturing is not always pleasant to watch. We cannot raise strong, responsible children or even spiritual sons and daughters by shielding them from all pain and hardships, especially those that come from their own decisions. Often times it is the pain that leads them to the arms of the Father.
There comes a time, as parents, we must release our control and learn to trust God in the process. Looking back at the Father in the parable, he knew that he had to allow his son to leave. But he also knew that he could trust the Lord with what was precious to him, the life of his son. We too must allow our heavenly Father to mature our children and bring them to perfect stature in Him. Just as the prodigal son came to himself realizing that he had it better with his father, our seed will as well. It may not be an easy transition but it is a necessary one.
Father, grant us the grace to trust you with the lives of those we love. Lord, teach us continually how to guide them in wisdom and truth. As we commit them to you, I ask that you reassure us daily that you will complete the work that you have begun in them.
Scriptural References
Luke 15:11-24
Psalm 57:2
Philippians 1:6
2 Timothy 1:12
Isaiah 54:13
By Mary Pinckney
Used by Permission
Further Reading
• The Father is Waiting -by Helen Lescheid
• Hitting Rock Bottom – by Katy Huth Jones