Do you have a prodigal son or daughter? Someone who has walked away from the faith, or a loved one who is living rebelliously? If so, I want to urge you to remain faithful in prayer. You see, I was a prodigal son. For many years, I lived by my own rules. I was selfish, and despite every attempt my mom and dad made, I was wrapped up in my own worldly desires. I wrote about this in my book, The Secret Life of a Fool. I was the fool.

Though it seemed I would never come around, my parents and others believed for me and remained faithful. They prayed and prayed without ceasing—even when it must have seemed as though I had gone so far. But guess what? Finally, God got ahold of my heart. And things have never been the same. My whole life and purpose changed.

In 1 Thessalonians 5:17, the Bible tells us to “Pray without ceasing." So this week, I urge you to carry on.  Pray diligently for the prodigal son or daughter in your life. Resist the urge to give up, or consider them a lost cause. Instead, trust that God’s plan and timing are perfect. And that God wants to use you.

This is Andrew Palau.