Do you wonder what to do until your prodigal returns? Not everyone who grows up in the Christian faith will end up following Jesus. We call such people “prodigals.”

Maybe you were one yourself.

I’ve had my share of prodigals. One of my kids is still out getting his testimony. A few of the others have cost me a lot of tears and prayers… and money.

It’s been worth it.

So what do you do in the “in-between time”—the long hallway between the shut door of a heart and the fulfillment of a promise?

Here are some tips:

1. You’ve given your kids to God, right?

Don’t you think he can take care of his property?

In fact, God gets pretty passionate about the whole thing:

Do not be afraid, for I am with you; I will bring your children from the east and gather you from the west.

I will say to the north, “Give them up!” and to the south, “Do not hold them back.”

Bring my sons from afar and my daughters from the ends of the earth—everyone who is called by my name, whom I created for my glory, whom I formed and made” (Isaiah 43:5-7 NIV).

2. Admit that you cannot control your prodigal.

You may even have to let him or her go without any strings attached (see Luke 15:11-32).

Hard, but necessary. Sometimes God has to get parents out of the way who are standing between him and a prodigal.

Voluntarily move yourself out of God’s way. Give him room to work.

3. Mind your own business. Yes, you heard me right.

Your prodigal is now God’s responsibility. If you entertain worry thoughts, it’s an indication that you are meddling in God’s business.

God doesn’t like meddlers or any kind of mental busybodies (see 1 Peter 4:15).

Instead, focus your thoughts on the faithfulness of God and his promises.

You do your job of loving and praying, and let God do his job of bringing your prodigal home.

Bottom line—it’s never easy to sit around waiting until your prodigal returns. So don’t sit. Live your life. Cry, but live your life. God’s got your kid’s number.

Question: What would you suggest to someone who is waiting for a prodigal to come home? You can leave a comment below.

Susan Gaddis, Helping you build a spiritual legacy

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