“Have you ever noticed in the story of the prodigal son that the father didn’t have to kick the son out of the house? The son chose to leave. He wanted a lifestyle of excess and sin, and the father allowed him to make that choice as an adult. It was simply a given that the son had to leave his father’s home in order to live in this manner.
The father didn’t cave to the fear of losing his son and compromise to get him to stay. He didn’t even use financial control and withhold his inheritance.
In the end, what changed the son’s heart wasn’t his father preaching at him or pleading with him.
Instead, God’s Spirit used the emptiness and filth that a rebellious lifestyle naturally yields over time to make the son yearn for his father’s comfort and care.
God works in ways we can’t comprehend, even using the consequences of our sin. He is able to do far beyond what you can do for your child in your own wisdom and strength. Your job is to maintain personal integrity, love, and solid faith in God’s truth.”