“The great battle of our spiritual lives is ‘Will you believe?’ It is not, ‘Will you try harder?’ or ‘Can you make yourself Worthy?’ It is squarely a matter of believing that God will do what only he can do.”
-Jim Cymbala
I’ve read about Chrissy. Raised as a pastor’s daughter in a loving home, she deserted her faith and family. For two years, Chrissy’s parents lived a nightmare–unsure their beloved child was safe or warm–and wondering if she would ever return home.
One evening, Pastor Cymbala asked his congregation to intercede on Chrissy’s behalf. And those gathered at church that night lifted their voices to heaven beseeching the heavenly Father to rescue one who had been stolen. Two days later, the lost daughter knocked on her father’s door. She was finally home.
This story is an incredible encouragement to me. It gives me hope for my own prodigal.
While he wasn’t born into a pastor’s family, our prodigal’s story began in a Christian home. We prayed over our child, dedicated him to the Lord, and read scripture together. His gentle spirit responded to God’s and this precious blonde haired, blue eyed child invited Jesus to be his savior when he was almost five years old.
Our shy little boy told other children about Jesus…raced to the car in his red AWANA vest eager to go to church…and began growing in his own faith. Several years later, one life altering moment shattered everything in Benjamin’s life. Unaware of the his pain, my husband and I were confused by the sudden change in Ben’s personality and choices.
This was the moment that opened the door and allowed the enemy access. He stole one who rightfully belongs to God.
Since then, I have battled on myknees. I have begged God to loose the chains…to “replace the heart of stone”…to return our prodigal to us. Still, the enemy holds fast–reluctant to give up the child we claimed for Christ before he was ever born. But I am convinced there is more to this story…that God has a better plan for Ben…that one day God will replace the deadness in my boy’s eyes with the light of joy and that words of praise will flow from the lips of the son who now utters words that deny His power.
As my brothers and sisters in Christ, can I be vulnerable with you? After not having seen Benjamin for several weeks, yesterday we stopped by the apartment where he is staying. We stood awkwardly in the doorway…invited him to dinner…asked about his plans.
Giving each of us a hug he quietly asked, “Can you please leave?”
Reluctantly walking down the rickety iron steps, I imagined our unspoken conversation.
Why are you here? Don’t you realize I’ve cut you out of my life?
Yes, son, but we love you just as God does–without condition.
I feel so alone in this life. 
You don’t need to walk this road alone. We are here–and there is one whose loving presence is ever-constant. Call out to Him, my son. He will never leave you or forsake you!
But the words were never spoken and my son sleeps on the floor of a one room apartment. What does he eat? Is he safe? And I wake during the sleeping hours to pray.
And today I follow Jim Cymbala’s example. Friends–in all humility can I lay my heartache before you? Would you please pray for Benjamin? I believe he is at a critical juncture and I am pleading with God that in his mercy He will do a work in Ben’s life..that he will set the prisoner free…that he will rescue that which has been lost.
If we share in the same journey, would you also gift me with the opportunity to pray for your prodigal? Let’s pray our prodigals home!
Scripture for Reflection
Surely the arm of the Lord is not too short to save, nor his ear to dull to hear. (Isaiah 59:1)
Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. (Isaiah 40:30-31)
A bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out. (Isaiah 42:3)
The Lord your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing. (Zephaniah 3:17)