EP 159: Loving Our Wayward Children: Encouragement for Moms of Prodigals
Inside: We’re discussing how to love our wayward children, reminding ourselves of the importance of keeping a Gospel focus, connecting with our lost children, and trusting in the sovereignty of God at work in their lives and ours.
My dear friends, we are diving into a topic that is near and dear to many of our mama hearts and it’s one that’s dear to mine. We are walking through how to love our wayward children. We will discuss the importance of keeping a Gospel focus, connecting with our prodigal children, and trusting in the absolute sovereignty of God in salvation. I pray this episode will encourage you, remind you where your true hope lies, and give some practical guidance too.
We need to love Jesus more than our children - more than anyone or anything. Our identity or self-worth should not be based on how our children turn out - it needs to be in Christ.Listen In to EP 159: Loving Our Wayward Children: Encouragement for Moms of Prodigals: (Below is a summary of the podcast, or you can listen in for more detailed content.)
Recommended Resources:
Encouraging Parents of Unbelieving Children @ACBC Truth in Love Podcast with Stuart Scott
Trusting God with the Impossible as Mothers @Thankful Homemaker Podcast
Hope + Help for Hurting Parents @Brad Bigney Sermon Series
Help My Child Has Rejected Christ – Women’s Hope Podcast
From Heartbroken to Hopeful: Gospel Hope for Parents of Prodigals by Shirley Elliot
Come Back, Barbara: A Father’s Pursuit of a Prodigal Daughter by C. John Miller
Out of a Far Country: A Gay Son’s Journey to God. A Broken Mother’s Search for Hope by Christopher Yuan & Angela Yuan
Summary:
We’re discussing how to love our wayward children, reminding ourselves of the importance of keeping a Gospel focus, connecting with our lost children, and trusting in the sovereignty of God at work in their lives and ours. Below is a summary of the podcast, or you can listen in for more detailed content.
Maintaining a Gospel Focus
One crucial aspect of dealing with our wayward children is maintaining a gospel focus. We need to remember that our identity and self-worth should not be defined by how our children turn out, but rather, it should be rooted in Christ. Our ultimate goal should not only be to “get our children saved,” but to glorify God in all aspects of our lives. We need to express God’s love and grace, which are based solely on the work of Jesus Christ on the cross, in our words and actions towards our children – both those who are saved and unsaved. The power of the Gospel at work in us will equip us to live Christ-centered lives towards our prodigal children.
Connecting with Our Lost Children
Connecting with our children who live outside the faith can be tough, but it’s essential. We need to find a ‘new normal’ with them and avoid falling into sadness or heartbreak. Our motive for spending time with our prodigal children should not be focused on wanting a desired outcome but rather on showing them love, sharing truth with them, and continuing to pray for them. We should strive to show interest in their lives, just like we always did, and find common ground where we can connect.
Avoiding the Comparison Trap
In challenging times, it’s easy to fall into the comparison trap, especially when we see other families that seem to be free from such trials. However, we should resist this temptation. Every family has its own challenges and sins. Instead of comparing ourselves to others, we should pray for those families and look to God and His Word for perspective and comfort.
If you have a prodigal, remember that the rejection isn’t aimed at you as a parent but ultimately at God Himself - He is the one being rejected.The Sovereignty of God in Salvation
God is sovereign, and He is in absolute control over the actions of all His creatures. If we have a prodigal child, we need to remember that rejection isn’t aimed at us as parents, but ultimately at God Himself. We are not responsible for our adult child’s spiritual future. God is the one who saves and rescues. We need to trust in Him and His sovereignty.
Our hope and comfort as parents can only be as we rest in who we are in Christ – it is a continual preaching of the Gospel to ourselves.
Praying for Our Children and Coming Alongside Those Who Have Lost Children
The best thing we can do for our children is to pray for them. We should also ask others to pray for them. For those of us without prodigal children, we can still support our friends who do by praying for their children and taking an interest in them.
In conclusion, parenting a wayward child can be an arduous journey. However, we can find comfort and hope in God’s sovereignty and His grace. We should strive to love our children unconditionally, pray for them continually, and trust in God’s plan for their lives. Remember, our hope is in Christ, not in our adult children.
Our job, even with our prodigal children, is to simply love them and point them to Jesus.