So he got up and went to his father.
“But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him. Luke 15:20 (NIV)
The Israelite watchmen of old stood in towers or upon city walls, peering out across the land while protecting Jerusalem. These Hebrew guards kept watch and waited out their allotted time on the wall, observing everything and everyone around them. Watchmen on the walls first detected any approaching enemy or advancing army outside their borders, and then warned the people inside the city.
Several years ago, I stood on my imaginary wall, watching and waiting for the return of my daughter to her senses. Her poor life choices had affected our family. She had broken my heart and filled me with anguish. But I prayed.
Each day I struggled and prayed. Eventually God answered me with a mission. He prompted me to notice mothers living with the same pain. He inspired a vision of military policemen standing guard, wearing armbands with the letters MP on it. Military police protect the lives and property of those in service to one’s country. For me that image symbolized mothers praying for their prodigals. Praying while waiting for God’s work to be accepted into the lives of their children and watching for their return to God and family. Mothers for prodigals was born.
This labor of love—this watching with purpose based on the promises of God—requires faith and trust in the God who loves us! It demands constant vigilance (with wailing, if necessary) in humble prayer, giving up any personal dictates and whims while placing our children in the very capable hands of God. This hopeful waiting requires us to daily give our doubts to God and peacefully watch what He is doing, even if it looks messy!
Squandered his wealth in wild living describes the actions of the prodigal son in the book of Luke as told by Jesus. The son chose to ask his father for his inheritance. Can you imagine how the father must have felt? It’s almost as if the son wished him dead. What a crushing blow, but the father conceded. The son then left to pursue his selfish dreams. He made a choice as so many prodigals do, choosing from selfish gain and breaking his parents’ hearts.
When he lost everything and came to the end of himself, he turned back and headed home. He knew he had sinned against his father. He desired forgiveness. While he was a long way off, his father saw him and ran to him, heaping hugs and kisses on him. The father had been watching and waiting, and I dare say praying for the return of his son.
What joy for this watchman, this father who daily had waited patiently at his border for any sign of an answer to his many prayers. After experiencing a tremendous heart ache, can you imagine the joyful healing from a reunion with the very one who had caused anguish?
You may be in a situation right now that feels nothing like triumph. Misery surrounds you as you wait and watch. I understand such feelings and so does God. He sees your hurting heart. He hears your agonizing cries. Don’t give up your position! Stand firm on His promises and trust in His perfect timing for your loved ones. Rely on His Word to strengthen and preserve you in peace. He is a faithful God! Keep watch with Him and wait.
If your circumstances have turned around like the one in the story of the prodigal son, give God the glory but don’t stop praying. There are many prodigals and families who need prayers of intercession for protection and peace while God works within their lives. Continue the labor of watching for the return of God’s children to His loving truth. And praise Him while waiting!
Let’s lift up Scriptural battle cries to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ as we watch and wait for His fulfilled promises.
But as for me, I watch in hope for the Lord,
I wait for God my Savior;
my God will hear me. Micah 7:7 (NIV)
Out of the depths I cry to you, Lord;
Lord, hear my voice.
Let your ears be attentive
to my cry for mercy.
If you, Lord, kept a record of sins,
Lord, who could stand?
But with you there is forgiveness,
so that we can, with reverence, serve you.
I wait for the Lord, my whole being waits,
and in his word I put my hope.
I wait for the Lord
more than watchmen wait for the morning,
more than watchmen wait for the morning.
Israel, put your hope in the Lord,
for with the Lord is unfailing love
and with him is full redemption.
He himself will redeem Israel
from all their sins. Psalm 130 (NIV)
I have posted watchmen on your walls, Jerusalem; they will never be silent day or night. You who call on the Lord, give yourselves no rest...... Isaiah 62:6 (NIV)
“Be happy in your hope, stand your ground when you’re in trouble, and devote yourselves to prayer.
Romans 12:12 (CEB)”