It is time to thank God for our prodigals.

This is going to sound crazy—it kind of did to me at first—but when you think about it, it makes sense.

We thank Him for:

• All the joy she’s brought.
• The wonderful gift to the kingdom of God that he is going to be.
• The gift of her. She’s not a mistake. As a gift from God, she is perfect (James 1:17).
• The good the Lord has brought from this journey, not only for us but for him but others around him.
• The coming miracles.
• The promises.
• The testimonies.
• God’s love for us all.

And God has this.

We can also thank God the spiritual growth the pain has accomplished in us:

• The knowledge.
• The compassion.
• The awareness of God.
• The greater anointing for prayer.
• The new depth of prayer.
• The increased faith.

1 Thessalonians 5:18 tells us to give thanks in everything, and I believe we are to give thanks in everything, even in this sometimes almost unbearable journey.

Our prodigals are gifts from God, and pain and disappointment do not negate that.

We also give thanks for the things coming, when our faith will be sight, because God has plans to restore (Joel 2:25).

Getting to the place where we can thank God in this season can be a process. but it is biblical. We don’t give thanks for the evil, but for the gift, the good, the great love God has for us and our prodigals, the miracles that have happened and those that are coming, those that have been promised, the testimonies.

Our God is a perfectly, consummately good God, and we are grateful!