Our hearts are deeply grieved to hear of the pain and brokenness in your family, dear brother in Christ. We stand with you in this time of sorrow, lifting your son, your daughter-in-law, your grandchildren, and your entire family before the Lord. The sins of adultery, drunkenness, and rebellion are grievous in the sight of God, and we know the enemy seeks to destroy families, especially those in ministry. But we serve a God who is mighty to save, redeem, and restore!
First, we must address the urgency of your request for a "sign." While we understand your desperation, we gently remind you that our faith is not built on signs but on the unchanging Word of God and the finished work of Jesus Christ. Jesus rebuked those who sought signs in Matthew 12:39, saying, *"An evil and adulterous generation seeks after a sign, but no sign will be given to it except the sign of Jonah the prophet."* Our trust must be in the Lord Himself, not in signs or immediate answers. He is faithful, and His timing is perfect, even when we do not see the way forward.
Your son’s actions are a direct rebellion against God’s design for marriage and holiness. Adultery is a sin that defiles the marriage covenant, which God Himself established as a lifelong union between one man and one woman (Genesis 2:24, Matthew 19:6). The Scriptures are clear: *"Marriage is honorable in all, and the bed is undefiled, but God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterers"* (Hebrews 13:4). Drunkenness, too, is condemned, as it leads to debauchery and clouds the mind, making one vulnerable to further sin (Ephesians 5:18, Proverbs 20:1). Smoking, while not explicitly mentioned in Scripture, falls under the principle of stewarding our bodies as temples of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). These sins are not just personal failures—they are spiritual strongholds that must be broken in the name of Jesus.
As a preacher, you know the power of repentance and the call to confront sin with both truth and love. Your son must be lovingly but firmly confronted with the gravity of his actions. Galatians 6:1 instructs us: *"Brothers, even if a man is caught in some fault, you who are spiritual must restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness; looking to yourself so that you also aren’t tempted."* This is not a time for enabling or excusing sin but for calling him to turn from his wickedness and seek the Lord with all his heart. The prodigal son’s story (Luke 15:11-32) reminds us that even in the deepest rebellion, the Father’s arms are open to those who repent.
To your daughter-in-law, we urge you to extend compassion and support. She and your grandchildren are victims of your son’s sin, and she must know she is not alone. Encourage her to seek the Lord’s strength and wisdom, whether that means standing firm in prayer for her husband’s repentance or seeking godly counsel on how to proceed. The body of Christ must rally around her in this time. *"The Lord is near to those who have a broken heart, and saves those who have a crushed spirit"* (Psalm 34:18).
As for you and your wife, we know your grief is profound. It is a parent’s deepest sorrow to see a child walk in rebellion, especially when that child knows the truth. But take heart: *"The Lord hears his people when they call to him for help. He rescues them from all their troubles. The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed"* (Psalm 34:17-18). Pour out your hearts to Him, for He cares for you (1 Peter 5:7). Do not let shame or despair silence your prayers. Cry out to God day and night, as the persistent widow did (Luke 18:1-8), trusting that He will bring justice and redemption.
Now, let us pray together for your family:
Heavenly Father, we come before You with broken hearts, lifting up this family in their time of deep distress. Lord, You see the pain of this father and mother, who have devoted their lives to serving You, only to watch their son turn away into sin and rebellion. Father, we ask for Your mercy and intervention. Break the chains of adultery, drunkenness, and addiction that bind him. Convict his heart by Your Holy Spirit, Lord, and bring him to true repentance. Let him see the destruction his sins are causing—not just to himself, but to his wife, his children, and his parents. Softens his heart, Lord, and turn him back to You.
We pray for his wife, Father. Comfort her in her betrayal and give her wisdom to know how to proceed. Surround her with Your peace and provide for her and the children in every way. Let her find strength in You, and may she not grow bitter but remain steadfast in faith. Protect those grandchildren, Lord. Shield their hearts from the enemy’s lies and let them grow up to know Your love and truth.
We also lift up this father and mother. Comfort them, Lord, as only You can. Remind them that You are sovereign, even in this storm. Give them the words to speak to their son—words of truth, love, and urgency. Do not let them grow weary in prayer, but fill them with Your hope and perseverance.
Lord, we rebuke the enemy’s work in this family. Satan seeks to steal, kill, and destroy, but You, Jesus, have come to give life abundantly (John 10:10). We declare that no weapon formed against this family will prosper (Isaiah 54:17). We bind the spirits of adultery, addiction, deception, and rebellion in the name of Jesus, and we command them to flee. Let the light of Christ expose every hidden sin and bring Your conviction and healing.
Father, we ask for a mighty work of restoration. Where there has been brokenness, bring healing. Where there has been sin, bring repentance. Where there has been despair, bring hope. Let this family’s testimony be one of Your redemption and grace. We pray all this in the mighty and holy name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, who alone has the power to save and transform. Amen.
Brother, we urge you to continue standing in the gap for your son, but also to guard your own heart. Do not let this trial drive you to despair or bitterness. Cling to the promises of God, such as Jeremiah 32:27: *"Behold, I am the Lord, the God of all flesh. Is there anything too hard for me?"* Keep preaching the Word, even in this storm, for your congregation needs to see your faith in action. And remember, the God who raised Lazarus from the dead (John 11) is the same God who can raise your son from spiritual death to life.
We will continue to pray for you and your family. Do not hesitate to reach out again, and may the Lord grant you His peace that surpasses all understanding (Philippians 4:7). Stand firm, for the battle belongs to the Lord!
Prayer Focus: God, Thank You for loving me. God, I ask You in Jesus’ name please bless me with everything that I stand in need of and everything You want me to have. God bless me to prosper, walk in excellent health, and never stop growing in the love, grace, and knowledge of Christ Jesus. God bless me to know You in truth, fall in love with You with all my heart, mind, soul, body, and strength and never fall out of love with You. Bless me to have an ever growing closer stronger, more intimate relationship with You. Bless me with the love, desire, strength, and the spirit of obedience to always delight myself in You, seek first Your kingdom, Your righteousness, and to always respect and obey You. Bless me to trust You with all my heart, acknowledge You in all my ways, and lean not to my own understanding.
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