Moms, let’s be real. Have you ever laid awake at night, and your heart is heavy with worry over your adult child’s choices? Maybe you’ve whispered prayers through tears, pleading with God to bring them back, open their eyes, or protect them from a painful path.
If you’re nodding, you’re not alone.
A Listening Heart
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The truth is, motherhood doesn’t come with an “off” switch. You spent years nurturing, guiding, and shaping your child’s heart. But now, they’re grown. Making their own decisions. Walking their own journey. And sometimes… those choices break your heart.
So, how do you trust God with your adult children’s choices—especially when they don’t align with God’s Word?
Let’s dive in together. Because, friend, God is still writing their story.
Parenting Adult Children: When Letting Go Feels Impossible
As moms, we have an instinct to protect—to step in, to fix, to shield. But the hardest part of parenting adult children? Knowing when to let go.
Maybe your child is:
- Drifting from faith
- Making choices that worry you
- Facing struggles, you can’t fix
- Distant, and it hurts
What if I told you… that the same God who carried them through childhood is still guiding them today?
Isaiah 41:10 reminds us: Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
Friend, God’s hands are stronger than yours.
The Father Who Let Go: A Lesson from the Prodigal Son
Jesus gave us the perfect picture of trusting God with a wandering child in Luke 15:11-32—the story of the prodigal son.
A father had two sons. One demanded his inheritance early, left home, and wasted everything on reckless living. Can you imagine the father’s heartbreak?
But notice what the father didn’t do:
- He didn’t chase his son down.
- He didn’t control or manipulate his choices.
- He didn’t force him to stay.
Instead, he did something even harder—he let his son go.
And here’s the miracle… when the son finally “came to his senses” and returned home, his father was already waiting. Arms open. Heart full of love.
Luke 15:20 – But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him, and kissed him.
Mamas, God is doing the same for your child. He sees and knows them. And He’s calling them home—even when you can’t see it yet.
The Power of Surrender: What Trusting God Looks Like
So, how do we surrender our adult children to God? Here are three simple but powerful steps:
1. Pray More, Worry Less
Instead of replaying worst-case scenarios in your mind, turn them into prayers.
Philippians 4:6-7 – Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Try this prayer:
“Lord, I release my child into Your hands. I trust You to guide, protect, and draw them closer to You. Help me replace worry with faith. Amen.”
2?. Release Them into God’s Hands
We don’t have to carry the weight of our children’s choices—God already is.
Psalm 55:22 – Cast your cares on the Lord, and He will sustain you; He will never let the righteous be shaken.
Every time fear rises, whisper this:
“God, they belong to You. I trust You with their journey.”
3?. Remember, Their Story Isn’t Over
Your child’s journey isn’t finished. Even if they’ve wandered far, God is still working.
Isaiah 55:8-9 – “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord.” If He pursued the prodigal son, He will pursue your adult children too.
A Prayer for You, Mom
If you’re struggling to trust God with your child’s choices, this prayer is for you:
Father, I come to You with a heavy heart. I love my adult children so much, and I long to see them walk in Your ways. But today, I surrender my fears. I trust that You love them even more than I do. Help me release them into Your hands and find peace in knowing You are in control. Strengthen my faith. Fill me with hope. And remind me that You are always working, even when I can’t see it. In Jesus’ precious name, Amen.
Parenting Adult Children: God’s Got This!
Mamas, you are not alone. You are not failing. Most importantly, God is still writing your child’s story.
If this post blessed and encouraged you, here’s what you can do:
- Leave a comment: What’s one thing you’re surrendering to God today?
- Share this post with another mom who needs encouragement.
- Join our Hidden Treasures Community for faith-filled encouragement and support.
You may be interested in Finding Peace: Encouragement For Parents of Adult Children in Crisis
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Trust: Knowing when to Give it, When to Withhold it… Dr. Henry Cloud
