I know children who were raised in Christian families, grown now, who rebelled against their parents and walked away from the Lord as teens. I know children who were homeschooled through high school, grown now, who have rebelled against their parents and walked away from the Lord. I have been praying for the families I know, who are going through this hell, for some time.
The pain these parents are in is like the grief if a child had died, except it is grief which time does not heal. In one instance, the daughter is living such a worldly, sinful, and dangerous lifestyle that the parents’ constant worry is that this will be the day they receive news of her death. Add to that the knowledge that if their daughter died in this state, they would be separated from her for eternity. And each time they see her, her increasing worldliness opens fresh wounds and deepens the pain of the existing ones.
The rejection they have endured from the church only adds to what must be the most painful thing a human being must live with that I can think of: a child’s rebellion against and rejection of his parents.
But as I was praying for one of these families last night, I realized something: the Lord Himself knows the pain the parents are going through. He understands it completely, for He has been there, and is still there. His firstborn, Israel, rebelled against Him time and time again, and rejected Him over and over to serve the gods of the people in whose land they dwelt.
It cannot be said that unrighteousness on the Lord’s part caused Israel to rebel from her Father, God Almighty, who delivered her from Egypt with signs, wonders, and an outstretched arm. Just as it cannot be said that the father in the parable of the prodigal son was responsible for his son’s rebellion, for Jesus uses that father to paint a picture of our heavenly Father.
For the parents of rebellious children, there is not much comfort to be found, in the church or in the world. But their heavenly Father sympathizes intimately with the pain they are living with. He has not rejected them, but is walking with them and is holding them closely and tightly through their grief. That is greatly comforting.
If rebellious children are still under age: Changing the Heart of a Rebel by Dr. S. M. Davis
If rebellious children are over age or have left home: Knowing When to Let Go by Dr. S. M. Davis
and God is merciful and sovereign. He has a plan. Last week we were blessed when our 'prodigal' returned. God is so good, and He loves them so much more than we ever could.
Jen; I am so joyful for you! Joy is so much sweeter after a painful and trying time!
Hey Christine — I wanted to respond to your question about Bloglet subscriptions. I put in my address to subscribe to you and it seems to be working fine… Next time you post, I should get an email from Bloglet letting me know. I'll then let you know. I don't remember anything I did differently to make it work, but I'll look back into it and contact you! Thanks!
I am reading good book right now, Aunt Jane's Hero by Elizabeth Prentiss. The hero of the story does live a worldly wasted life, but the prayers of those who love him are heard. Keep praying for those who need Him.
I obviously don't know the situations of the people you speak of. It breaks my heart to hear of these troubles. I am reminded of the articles in the last 3 issues of "No Greater Joy" called "Jumping Ship": http://www.nogreaterjoy.org/index.php?id=118&no_cache=1. I hope to always keep the Lord's joy in the picture.