Some time ago, Andrea Merrell, who edited my book Partly Cloudy with Scattered Worries, let me know that she was writing a book about coping with having a Prodigal titled Praying for the Prodigal. I wanted to read that book–because although our relationship with our son is good, he is not following the Lord. I’m so glad I read her book and I gave it my endorsement.
So I’m pleased to be able to tell you her book is now available–and she wants to give one away in a drawing. So read below how you might win Andrea’s book and I hope you’ll also be encouraged from her guest post here. (You can also purchase Praying for the Prodigal and have one right away!)
Hope for the Prodigal
By Andrea Merrell
Blue lights flashed as I made my way to the drive-thru line at a local fast-food restaurant. The gas station adjacent to the parking lot was roped off with tape and blocked by several police cars. I fought uneasiness and the urge to keep driving.
When I reached the window to pay for my food, I asked what was going on. Thinking there might have been a robbery, I was shocked to hear, “Young guy went in the bathroom, shot up, and OD’d.”
As I drove away, my heart broke and the tears fell. I didn’t know the young man, but I grieved for him—for his friends and family—for all the young people caught up in this destructive lifestyle. Perhaps my tears were also tears of joy and thankfulness. Whenever there is a senseless tragedy like this, I always hear the words, “That could have been your kids.”
And it almost was.
For several years, both my son and daughter were caught up in a lifestyle of drugs and alcohol. My husband and I did everything we knew to raise them in a godly environment, and this was the last thing we ever expected to happen. Statistics say eighty-eight percent of children raised in an evangelical Christian home will leave the church by the age of eighteen. Many will turn away from authority, parental values, and biblical teaching, losing their potential, their health, and their destiny—sometimes even their life. We just never thought it could happen to us. Suddenly we found ourselves dealing with not one but two prodigals and we had no idea what to do.
During those dark, dreadful days, there were tears, anger, frustration, exorbitant expenses, and many sleepless nights. It was only by God’s grace that my children survived. There were many times they could have gone to jail, been critically injured, or even died. Because I blamed myself, my guilt and condemnation caused me to doubt myself and even God. How could He possibly let this happen?
The truth is: even good kids rebel—and even good parents can end up with a prodigal.
I learned that God loves my kids even more than I do, and He is well-able to take care of them. My responsibility is to love them and pray His Word over them daily. Before I could do that with faith and confidence, I had to get my relationship with Him back on track by forgiving myself, forgiving my kids, and by learning to trust God with my whole heart.
The road was long and filled with potholes, but God was faithful. He protected my son and daughter, delivered them from the drugs and alcohol, and restored them to a right relationship with Him and with their family. The lessons we learned along the way were numerous. He gave us practical survival tips to keep our sanity in the midst of the crisis, and taught us how to stand firmly upon His promises.
If you or someone you love is dealing with a prodigal, know that there is always hope. Take it from someone who has been there—and survived.
For the drawing, make a comment on my blog or email me: Kathyspeak @ gmail.com (omit spaces). If you make a comment, please check back after I pick the winner. My system doesn’t give me an email address for you. I will pick the winner on Wednesday evening, April 22, 2015.
My sister would love to read this book. She has a prodigal son.
Thanks
Ok, great, Cheryl, I've put your name into the drawing. Thank you so much for stopping by and commenting.
I ordered the book and it didn't go through. So maybe it was meant to win it in your drawing. Appreciate both of you ladies!
That's weird that it wouldn't go through. I'll put your name into the drawing. Hope you get it one way or another!
I just corrected the link for the book on Amazon.
I just corrected the link so that it will go through to Amazon.
Cheryl: You are the winner! Please email me the mailing address and name of person for autograph to me: KathyCollardMiller @ gmail.com (omit the spaces). Andrea will mail the book directly.
This post by Andrea Merrell is powerful and true for so many families. The book sounds awesome. Thanks Kathy and I hope you are feeling better. Many prayers were said for you and I actually still have that letter/email you sent me many years ago. It encourages me on dark days. Be blessed, both of y'all Andrea and Kathy:)