They Always Come Back

I laughed at an invitation only Joan could’ve created. “The Fatted Calf is on the spit!” But a celebration was needed.

Joan and Doug were a wonderful senior couple my husband and I met after arrival to our new duty station. My husband sang in the choir with Joan and served with Doug on the deacons’ board. Our lives quickly intertwined and during one conversation we discovered a painful, ongoing valley Doug and Joan faced – a prodigal son.

Doug married out of high school and was blessed with twin girls. But God’s plan didn’t include his lovely wife seeing them grow up; instead, she died of ovarian cancer when the girls were 3. Joan also married young, but her husband left her and their two children for someone else. 

Doug and Joan were devastated and sought healing from God. Their lives became centered on prayer, the Word, fellowship, and their children. 

Fourteen years passed when Doug and Joan met at church, both having transferred to a new community. God began to blend their lives, and within a year they married. 

Doug’s twins and Joan’s eldest son worked to build relationships, but Joan’s youngest son, Skyler, set out to destroy them. Skyler did everything possible to hurt himself – drugs, alcohol, and fighting. His fury spilled into the home, where he targeted everyone.  Skyler hated everything and everyone and wanted the world to know it.

Doug and Joan were at a loss as to how to proceed. They sought help from the pastor, church elders, Christian counselors, and friends. While they were given good advice and prayed over multiple times, nothing made a difference. All their pleading with God only seemed to increase the tension and hostilities.

After one caustic encounter, Skyler accosted one of the twins. When Doug intervened, the fight took on horrid proportions and cops were called. Skyler knew Doug had drawn a line, and he couldn’t risk jail. So the angry teen bided his time. 

For Skyler’s 18th birthday, on December 27, Joan planned an extravagant party. The other siblings were at college, but they came home to please their parents and let Skyler know they genuinely cared. But Skyler was a no-show. 

Weeks later, Doug and Joan were still frantically searching for their child. They’d asked the choir, bike club, and home study group to enter into a covenant prayer with them for their son’s return to his faith and family. Over the next 20 years it was my privilege to be part of that prayer team. Members came and went, as we lived in a military town.

Every December 27, Joan hosted a prayer gathering for Skyler. Her home was a haven of hospitality, her heart tender as a newborn, and her faith solid as steel. Watching Doug and Joan traverse this valley, I just didn’t see purpose in God’s path for them. Once I asked Joan how she continued to believe God that Skyler would return.

“This is our ministry. To help parents of prodigals walk through this valley. I know Skyler surrendered his life to Christ at 10. He heard the Word daily in our home. God’s Word and promises are without error. So, I either believe God to be sovereign or I don’t.”

Yearly, 30 to 40 people gathered in prayer for Skyler. Some of us also prayed daily at 7 a.m. for his return. But in truth, it was the solidarity of Doug and Joan in their unwavering faith that made the difference – a difference that drew other hurting parents to them for comfort and counsel. 

Yes, this was a ministry, one no parent seeks; but how I praise God. Doug and Joan embraced God’s calling upon them.

Last Christmas I was unable to join Doug and Joan, as my dear mother-in-law was called to heaven and her service was on December 27. Standing in the reception line after the memorial service, my phone rang. The caller ID registered Joan. I’d wondered if she’d noticed my absence, so I answered. 

“My dear, Skyler’s home!” Joan squealed. My brain was in a fog and I couldn’t reply.

“What? How? When?” At that Joan laughed.

“I knew you’d be as excited as I was. Everyone gathered for prayer this morning at 7 a.m., and we read your text and prayed for your service before we started our time for Skyler. Today was different, though the ache of his absence was the same. 

“As I sought God’s face for comfort, I felt awashed with the Spirit’s embrace. The words of Isaiah 61 flooded over me and my broken heart was touched by His words. Peace like I’d never experienced cradled me. I genuinely felt God had answered my prayer because of the depth of satisfaction that enveloped me. No, Skyler wasn’t home, but I felt God was assuring me He had everything in control. He knew where Skyler was and I believed this as never before. God personally told me this today.”

The more Joan shared, the more light-headed I felt. Doug’s and her faith in intercessory prayer couldn’t be overlooked, and it deeply impressed me.

“An hour ago Doug and I were ready for our walk and the doorbell rang. Doug opened it and looked into our prodigal’s face. His life has been one of great trials, but he’s fully reconciled to the Father. He came with his wife and two beautiful daughters – an impossible journey of healing for them, as well. How great is our God to hear us when we cry out! 

“We’re celebrating next Saturday – the fatted calf will be on the spit. Please come!”

Regardless how long your valley has been, you’re never walking it alone when others are praying for you! Your job isn’t to endure any trial alone, but with the support of God’s children through the phenomenal weapon of prayer. 

NEVER underestimate what God can do when you gather at His feet. The answer may come in 20 minutes or 20 years, but He is faithful and He will bring His own home!

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