Answers
By Billy Graham • June 23, 2017 • Topics: Family, Youth Issues
Q:
I never got along very well with my parents, and when I rebelled and left home I thought I was finally free. Well, I've done everything I ever wanted to do, but now I'm miserable and almost broke. I ought to go home, but I can't bring myself to do it. I don't know why I'm writing, but I guess you could pray for me.
A:
I’m sure many who read this will be praying that God will give you the courage to turn your back on the way you’ve been living, and turn instead to Christ and His will for your life.
Have you ever heard of Jesus’ parable of the prodigal son? (You can find it in the Bible, in Luke 15:11-32.) In it Jesus tells about a young man who was very similar to you. He wanted to be free, and after he left home he indulged in every pleasure he could imagine. But then he ran out of money, his “friends” abandoned him, and the only job he could find was feeding pigs.
Finally he realized how wrong he’d been, and he decided to return home—although he was afraid his family wouldn’t want him. But as he neared home, his father ran out to welcome him home. May this be your experience.
Why did Jesus tell this parable? One reason was to warn us about Satan’s false promises. But the main reason was to teach us about God’s love for us. Listen: God loves you, and He doesn’t want you to wreck your life. Confess your sins to Him, and ask Christ to forgive you and come into your life. Then ask Him to give you the courage to return home. The Bible says, “If the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed” (John 8:36).
