Never Give Up

As parents, we can never give up on our children! Oh we may have to let them go for a while. We may have to allow them to see what they are really doing to themselves. We may have keep them at a distance. But we never totally give up. God is at work and His work in them ( and us) is not finished until He says it is done.

So he got up and went to his father. But while he was till a long way from home, his father saw him, and his heart went out to him; he ran and hugged his son and kissed him. . . So they began to celebrate. (Luke 15:20-24)

The Jewish father would never run anywhere, much less to one in sin. But even though his son made a foolish mistake and took the money and ran, dad had always kept an eye out for his wayward son. He may not have pursued after him, yet I am sure he had prayed and anticipated this day. The dad did not give up on God or the boy. 

Even when our children mature, grow, and perhaps move away from our faith and family tradition, we must never give up hope. We must never lose contact. Even while the relationship between parent and child may be strained, our relationship with God our Father must remain open and active. Continue to pray. Make the most of any opportunity. Allow God to work. We as parents may be the only connection to God that they have. 

Pray unceasingly and be expectant for God to work. Be ready and be receptive. Anticipate the return to home!