By Randy Crawford/Pastor at Soldier of Faith Ministries.
Your children can run from you.
They can run from your rules.
They can run from your home.
They can run from the church pew they once sat in.
But they can never outrun your prayers.
Jesus said:
“Then Jesus told them a parable about their need to pray at all times and not lose heart.” (Luke 18:1)
Parents, do not lose heart.
Your child may wander into rebellion.
They may harden their heart.
They may chase the world, love their sin, and silence conviction.
But if you are crying out to God day and night, heaven hears you.
The same chapter declares:
“Will not God bring about justice for His elect who cry out to Him day and night? Will He delay in helping them?” (Luke 18:7)
God is not indifferent.
God is not absent.
God is not powerless.
Salvation does not belong to parents. It belongs to the Lord. You cannot regenerate your child’s heart — but the Spirit of God can. You cannot open blind eyes — but Christ can. You cannot grant repentance — but God can.
Keep praying.
Pray when they mock what you taught them.
Pray when they ignore your calls.
Pray when culture discipling them seems louder than you ever were.
Pray when the tears fall.
Because prayer is not wishful thinking — it is warfare. It is dependence on the sovereign God who raises the spiritually dead.
And remember: salvation is by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone. Your child does not need mere moral reform. They need a new heart. They need the gospel.
So preach Christ. Live faithfully. And refuse to stop pleading with God.
They may run from you.
They may run from church.
But they cannot run from a sovereign God who hears a praying parent.
Do not lose heart.
Keep on praying!
