Someone in my small group asked a really good questions that I would like to get more feedback on. She asked, "If the older brother had done what he was supposed to do and gone searching for the younger brother, would the younger brother have been as likely to come back home? Or did the younger brother need to hit rock bottom before realizing his need for home?
I would like to hear some of your thoughts.

Great Question. Yes, I believe the younger son had to hit rock bottom. I believe we must all hit rock bottom. While there will be a vast array of differences in the way rock bottom looks to each of us, the result is the same for it is about the journey. The comfort comes in the recognition and acknowledgment of God who was, is, and will always be with us. Often times I think we wish for a savior who will protect us from the storms of life; who will intercede on our behalf. Yet, it’s through life’s storms that we find meaning in life, that we grow in faith, and are transformed. For me, the journey has been about gratitude. I have had my share of falls, my days of discomfort and my hours of pain. Learning to be truly grateful for those times has been a challenge. To even wrap my brain around the concept of being thankful for something so difficult has been a true test of my faith. Yet, as I look back and continue to walk forward in gratitude, I now know of God’s redemptive grace and unfailing love. I welcome the trials of life, for it is in those moments that I know to whom I owe all glory, honor and praise.

May your falls be many~
Debbie

Okay, if in fact "the younger brother" needed to hit rock bottom, how does one-someone like a friend- stand by and let them ruin their lives? How is a friend supposed to interact with this younger brother. In my own life, I have friends that aren't in the best of circumstances and their lives are headed down the wrong path and leading to disaster. Should I help them, as a friend? or should I let them deal with life they wish so that they hit rock bottom and then come to a realization of their need to turn to God?
I know that I can only try to much to help a friend, but at which point to I back off?

Great question Tara. I am sorry for your pain! I know how hard it can be to see someone you love and care for, make wrong choices. As much as we hurt, think about how God feels. I take my cues from Him. He gave us all a wonderful gift in free will and choice. He does not promise to keep us from the storms of life, but rather will meet us there and walk with us through the fire. My advice to you would be to continue to speak truth and love to your friends. Pray for them. Continue to model a life of right choices. Keep healthy boundaries. I will join you in prayer. That is the blessing in being a part of a community of believers...there is power in prayer!

Blessings-
Debbie

I've been thinking about this question more and your comments Tara as well. I think God wishes to use us to help our friends. He would rather speak to those making poor choices through other people than through the consequences of hitting bottom. Even though some people won't respond until they have hit the bottom, it is still up to us to do what we can to help them. I was reading this morning about prayer. In the book I was reading it quoted Hudson Taylor (a missionary) as saying, "it is possible to move men, through God, by prayer alone." We must not forget the power of God to move in people's lives through our prayers. I think that prayer is a very tangible way for us to reach out to those "younger brothers".