A Light in My Window

by Pamela Spurling - A Christian Home - © 1999 - 2010 - The Welcome Home - www.achristianhome.org - Used by permission


Fathers and mothers of prodigals have very much in common; and,  incidentally, most all prodigals or waywards are very similar in the sense that they, at some point in time, made a decision to go their own way.   Either mentally, physically or both.   Now, the ways or methods of prodigals may be very different, but most prodigals take their first step on the long, long prodigal road with a simple "you can't make me" attitude or action.  In defying parents, the prodigals defy God.  

The Wayward Road

The pretty lures of the world entice prodigals in different ways.  As children grow older, the lure of radio, television, Internet, friends, etc., etc., becomes stronger and brighter.    Forbidden fruit is usually in the hand of a friend who is not likely fully welcome or accepted in the family home.  The first steps are so innocuous that they're often missed or dismissed by trusting parents.  These little steps over the line, in time, become giant leaps and it's often the giant leap that catches the surprised attention of parents.  The impetus to these little side steps is so varied, but down the road, parents of prodigals look back and can generally pin point the beginning of the slide —  the beginning of the wayward road.

Some wayward or prodigals begin drifting into music, computer games, online communities, friends and so on.  Then, once stepping outside the bounds of home and authority, they're lured by freedom and independence and generally a shroud of secrecy.  Some are led astray by lies, by drugs — some by alcohol, and some by crime.  They seem to emotionally disconnect or close out all Truth.  And usually when this occurs, they've erected walls that seemingly cannot be scaled - either by them (to return) or by parents seeking to bring them back home.  The pain is seemingly unbearable for the parents and even for the prodigal; though the pain for the prodigal is different: it's a gnawing, wasting pain. 

As opposed to true prodigals or runaways, there's another quasi  prodigal or quasi wayward, these are: physically present prodigals or physically present waywards.  They may still be at the table most meal times, still have a bed or a bedroom in the home,  may even contribute something to the family and home, still have a seat in the family van, still occupy a seat in the church, but these have closed their hearts and minds to Truth, they are closed to Jesus, they generally have a very secret "other-life"  or "other-self."

I seek to offer encouragement to stay still in the Hand of the Potter.  Be still and know that He is God ... He will be exalted among the heathen, He will be exalted in the earth.  Cling to the hem of His garment.  Cling to the Hand of the LORD who is only Faithful.  Trust in His Word.  Hold onto His promises.  Be instant in prayer, filled with thanksgiving ... Trust in His promises: 

 Train up a child in the way he should go:
and when he is old, he will not depart from it.
Proverbs  22.6

	How to Release Your Prodigal Child  (new 3/10)
	The Prayer Every Mother Must Pray (new 3/10)
	Twelve Ways to Love Your Prodigal Child - Abraham Piper
	Loving Your Wayward Child  (new 3/10)
	Intercessory Prayer for Waywards  (new 3/10)
	Of Roses and Wayward Children
	What About These Wayward Children
	Heritage Builders "To Train Up a Child" part one
	Heritage Builders "To Train Up a Child" - part two
	When the Mother of a Prodigal Prays - Titus 2 Christian Homekeepers
	Fathering the Prodigal Child (listen)
	Perfect Love  The Qualities of True Love--Part 4  by  John MacArthur
	Lessons in the Valleys - The Valley of Trouble
	Wayward Teenagers
	Loving the Prodigal Child - Dennis Rainey     this link was changed... you'll need to go to the broadcast directory to find one of the programs that dealt with prodigals -- there are a few.