About the "Egyptian" Poem . . .

Though written a number of years ago, I've received a number of requests for a reprint of this poem because it speaks to the heart of the parents of children who've gone astray. The heartbreak is no easier whether the child is a teenager or a grown adult. There is little anyone can do or say that will affect a headstrong will. Unless you've had a wayward child, you cannot understand the depths of that pain. Some, ignorantly or intentionally, make comments that wound and inflict more pain into an already raw situation.

It's important to know the only "Perfect Parent" [God Himself] has had to deal with wayward children. Adam and Eve were the first prodigals and their experience did not prevent them from having a prodigal of their own [Cain]. Since then, every parent of wayward children deals with mistakes and mountains of "if only's" and regrets. These add to their burden.

One thing is certain - when the will of another is involved - there are no guarantees. The enemy means to destroy the wayward one before he or she can get back home. There may be other contributing factors, (people, habits, and/or things,) whose influence is stronger than yours. The battle is fierce and exhausting. You're also racing the clock, which adds urgency to your concern. All your hope and trust is bound up in the promises of God.

The best thing anyone can do for the parents of prodigals is to pray and encourage them to trust in the promises of God. When the only news was negative, the prodigal's father did not abandon hope. And when the prodigal came to himself and returned home, his father saw him a long way off and ran to meet him with open arms. (Luke 15:11-32) Herein lies two great truths - 1.) every prodigal needs to know there still is a "home" to return to, and 2.) every parent needs to know their hope is tied to holding fast until...

"...In due season you shall reap, if you faint not." (Galatians 6:9)

"With God, nothing is impossible!" (Luke 1:37)

"Now unto Him, who is able to do exceeding, abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us." (Ephesians 3:20)