Do you know someone who has walked away from the Lord and needs to return? Could God use you in His divine plan? This is exactly what one father did for his son.
“I didn’t care when I was arrested because I was high,” Josh Bingaman says. “When the drugs and alcohol wore off, it was a different story. There I stood in line, about to put on the orange jumpsuit and move from a holding cell into the jail. I knew I could not put that jumpsuit on. I just mentally was unable. The guards were about to call my name for a search when all of a sudden, I heard my name from the other direction.”
What a powerful and transforming story Bingaman tells. After leaving home for college, he began a slow descent that turned into an addiction. Years of drug and alcohol use drove him to walk away from the Lord. He did not care about the next day, only achieving a high in the moment. Divine intervention came through an arrest and an opportunity for a father to be in the right place at the right time. Bingaman’s heavenly Father had a future and plan for his life.
Bingaman attributes his turnaround to the Lord and the prayers of his father. “I knew my dad and mom—along with the church—were praying. I’m here today to tell you: Never stop praying for your prodigal!”
Bingaman admits the road to recovering his life in Christ was not automatic, nor was it quick. But God was patient with him. His earthly father did not shelter him from the consequences of his actions but kept him from a path from which he is not sure he would have returned. “I’m so thankful for my dad’s prayers,” he says.
How can you pray for your prodigal? Pray they have a heart change. Pray that the love of Christ would destroy whatever lie has them bound. Pray for the Lord to surround them with godly people. Pray against shame and guilt. Keep praying!
Your prayers just might be the reason your loved one returns from death to life. Ask the Lord to reveal to you revelation knowledge or words of wisdom that you could pass along. If you have no communication with them, pray in your spiritual language. Commit to praying in tongues for a period. Pray your prodigal into the kingdom of God.
What was the result of a praying father? Bingaman is now a pastor, Bible teacher and director of Harvest Bible College. Yes, all things are possible with God! {eoa}
Dr. Kristi Lemley is a speaker, author, podcast host, professor and counselor. She is passionate about reigniting the fire in the hearts of believers to transform lives. She connects in a transparent way that breaks spiritual barriers so every person can walk out their purpose with the authority and power of God. Kristi is an ordained minister and speaks at churches, conferences and retreats nationally and internationally. She has authored two books, Transformed: Live God’s Best and ABLAZE: Prepare Your Heart for Revival
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