The story of the prodigal son, as found in Luke 15, has always provoked me to examine myself. I have often wondered if there is not a little of both sons, yes, there are two, in each of us.
“A son … two sons – one consumed with pleasure, the other consumed by the pursuit of power and control. Both prodigals. Both lost and demanding. Both a burden.” (from page 13)
When You Love A Prodigal, by Judy Douglass, is a 90 day devotional filled with hope and grace for those waiting the return of a prodigal.
The author defines a prodigal as, “a person who is extravagantly wasteful, lavishly reckless, abundantly profligate”.
She defines the lover of prodigals as. “one who extravagantly and lavishly, with perseverance, loves a prodigal”.
The book is written for those loving a prodigal and it is often the perseverance part which presents the greatest challenge as one waits. It is not easy to persevere and wait as a loved one spirals into despair and/or destruction.
Judy Douglass writes from experience, sharing her story in ten chapters which focus on ten words: .
Each chapter is then broken down into nine days, bringing hope and encouragement in its short reading and two response questions.
God has given us an example in and through His Son, Jesus. Jesus deals with each of us as prodigals as He draws us to Himself with His love, mercy, and grace. Over and over He extends these to us as He continually reaches out to us.
Through her transparency, Judy Douglass, brings the powerful reminder that God is at work – in the lives of our prodigals and in ourselves. We truly are not capable in ourselves for this journey and God knowing this, equips us each day.
“Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Jesus Christ.” (Philippians 1:6, NIV)
You can connect with Judy Douglass in the following places (just click over):
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Today I am joining … Heart Encouragement and Let’s Have Coffee and Booknificent Thursday .
I loved this book, and am carrying one in my church bag these days for gifting.
So funny, Michele. I just finished leaving a message in my Bible Study group that if there is someone who is praying for a prodigal, to message me and I would ship it to them. It is a book that is so needed these days and is filled with much encouragement for the journey.
I just did a study of the prodigal son story with my church group last week. I wish I had read this book before our study! But I think I will read it now to compliment it. Thank you for the recommendation.
It was a wonderful book with much encouragement and hope.
Joanne, thank you for your encouraging review. I am grateful and blessed.