Stretching over several years, my fear of unknowns surrounding my prodigal son and daughter, abides unhindered. Part of a yet unanswered prayer, admitting my apprehension for their welfare seems a lack of faith. Even more difficult was releasing my prodigal to God.
Yet with each passing year of unknowns regarding their whereabouts or well-being, my fear etches deeper upon my heart.
Far from ending the parental role, a prodigal’s departure leaves a feeling of lost identity. Releasing my prodigal to God involves the sudden end to active parenting, which both confused and pained me.
How Can I Release My Prodigal to God?
My mama’s heart longed to nurture and protect, yet the separation denied me the privilege.
Wrestling with more questions than answers bred only anxiety and grief. Left with broken pieces which no longer fit together, I wondered how to love a child who preferred I remain outside their life?
Navigating the complexities of holding my prodigals began a battle with fear which dominated my life for many months. Magnifying unknowns, dwelling on past failures, and doubting God’s sovereignty united to keep me focused on fear.
Join me at Living by Design Ministries, as I share my story of releasing two prodigal children to God and the healing which began through my surrendered heart. Though I still look down the road for their return, God has given me something I never expected.
Beautiful Donna, and so tenderheartedly spoken. I’ve been able to release my prodigal to Jesus. It’s been 7 years, but I gave her back to God because she was his before she was mine. I pray for reconciliation and have to tell you that you have been on my prayer list right in my journal for a while now. My continued prayers flow for you and your children to Jesus for reconciliation, when His time is right.
~xo~
Thank you, Paula, for your kind words and encouragement. I so appreciate your prayers! I often think of your daughter when praying for mine. It’s not easy releasing our prodigals, but God is faithful!
I enjoyed reading this. I especially liked the Scriptural reminders at the end that assure us God is more interested in our loved ones’ spiritual state than we are.
Thank you, Barbara, for your kind words of encouragement.
Donna, you have written a wonderful article sure to bring comfort and assurance to many. “We must never forget that God is good, and He has promised to pursue our wandering children.”
Thank you, Joanne, I pray those parents of prodigals can find rest, peace & Hope in God as they trust Him to lead their children back home.
Wonderful article for bringing peace to one’s heart and mind for all our broken relationships.
Thak you, Lynn, God is faithful and always gives us Hope!
Donna, beautiful article. I see how hard it must have been for my mother as I was a prodigal daughter. When my mom was sick and passing God was softening my heart and with a turn of events and miracles, I would remember my Jesus. I just wrote about this and one reader responded that she wished my mother could have seen this. I do believe she knows – I am sure she is jumping for joy in heaven.
Thank you, Deborah, for sharing that part of your story. I’m sure your mother does know you found your way home. It also gives me hope that even though I may leave this earth before my prodigals find their way home, God is able to lead them back.