Your prayer for your son rises before the throne of grace, and it is a prayer after the Lord’s own heart, for you ask not for worldly trifles but for that which only the crucified and risen Christ can bestow, patience, faith, peace, and a complete restoration of body, mind, and spirit. It is well that you have brought this request in the name of Jesus, for in no other name is there healing or hope. The very leaves of that Tree of Life are for the healing of the nations, and the least thing about our Lord is charged with restorative virtue. Pluck a leaf by your poor, trembling faith, and if you dare not take more than that, yet shall it make your son whole. The blood of Jesus whispers peace within, and when guilt is heavy and the hand of God seems to break us, it is grand faith to say, “Wash me and I shall be whiter than snow.” May God give your son that blessed faith!
Yet you speak of patience and peace, and these come only by the hearing of faith. When faith enters, peace grows as fruit of the Spirit, that perfect peace, peace, which is the portion of the mind stayed on Jehovah because it trusts in Him. The devil will assail your son with his wicked “if,” as he did our Master in the wilderness; but bid him hold fast to this: “Have faith in God.” That command is the mother of the prayer, “Increase our faith.” Even a little faith is true faith, the gift of God, like precious faith though not like strong faith; and if it be as a grain of mustard seed, it can work wonders. The Lord turned and looked upon Peter, and that look restored him utterly. So shall the Sun of Righteousness arise upon your son with healing in His wings, for pardon and healing are one in Christ. Only believe. Above all, take the shield of faith, which quenches every fiery dart of the wicked one, whether from Satan, from men, or from your own despairing heart. Faith protects the conscience, for the blood of Jesus cleanses from all sin.
Therefore, be not dismayed. Bear this sorrow with Him, and you shall see what peace, what perfect peace, you will enjoy even with sorrows surging round. In Jesus’ keeping your son is safe, and you are safe. Lay hold of the promise that when the prodigal returns, the Father sees him as though he had never strayed. Restoration is the Lord’s special work. Let your faith drop down into His almighty arms, and leave the issue there. The Lord bless your son, and bless you, and give you both to know that this world is ours, and worlds to come, earth is our lodge, and Heaven our home. So be it, for Jesus’ sake.