The people walking in darkness will see a great light…

Isaiah 9:2 NASB

The verse goes on to say, “Those who live in a dark land, the light will shine on them.” This is in the context of the future Messiah. We know that Jesus is that great light.

Jesus spoke to them saying, “I am the light of the world; he who follows Me

shall not walk in the darkness, but shall have the light of life.

John 8:12 NASB

The problem is the light has shone, our loved ones have heard, but are not following Jesus. They do not comprehend it.

And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it.

John 1:5 NASB

It’s the darkness that doesn’t comprehend the light. We know that when the light comes on, it dispels the darkness. Light refers to revelation. In this case, the light is the life that we receive in Christ when we accept the gift of salvation. Basically, prodigals are living and walking in darkness. The enemy has captured them and is holding them captive. They are imprisoned in the land of darkness. The enemy will do everything in his power to keep them in this dark prison.

The good news is the enemy is no match for the power of God. And God will fight for us. He will prevail. There is a reason it is taking time. We may not know the reason, but we know our God and we trust in Him. We don’t trust in our own ability to change them or say the perfect words or even pray the perfect prayer. It’s not about us. It’s about God and what He can and is doing. If we have eyes to see and faith that perseveres and doesn’t give up, we will see the Lord’s goodness. We will keep pursuing Him and asking for His light to dispel the darkness and bring them to their senses.

I would have despaired unless I had believed that I would see the

goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait for the Lord;

be strong, and let your heart take courage; yes, wait for the Lord.

Psalm 27:13-14 NASB

How do we know we will see the Lord’s goodness? Why can we believe it? Because it is a promise for us.

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for Thou art with me; Thy rod and Thy staff, they comfort me. Thou dost prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; Thou hast anointed my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and lovingkindness will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

Psalm 23:4-6 NASB

Jesus is the great light of the world and in Him and through faith in Him we may approach God with freedom and confidence (Ephesians 3:12), asking Him to shine His light in the darkness where our loved ones reside, that they may receive revelation and through repentence be rescued from the darkness.

If perhaps God may grant them repentance leading to the knowledge of the truth, and they may

escape from the snare of the devil, having been held captive by him to do his will.

2 Timothy 2:25-26 NASB