110 Prodigal Child: Hope and healing when your loved one has gone astray

May 20, 2021
00:00 33:07
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Episode Summary:

Many parents have suffered the pain that ensues when they’ve had a prodigal child. In this episode, we talk about how to gain hope and healing when your loved one has gone astray. My guest today is Judy Slegh, who experienced having a prodigal child and is going to share what she learned through that experience.

Quotables from the episode:

  • Our emotions reveal our thoughts.
  • Do not harden your heart towards your prodigal—God hasn’t.
  • As we forgive, it releases baggage and we can receive hope for our prodigal.
  • God sees our prodigal from their full potential. We should too.
  • A declaration is a statement speaking God’s heart for our situation and our agreement with that.
  • Declarations are from the heart of God.
  • Declarations can overcome distance.
  • God sets us up to win—but we choose whether to move closer to God or further away.
  • Focus on who your prodigal was before they walked away.
  • Vulnerability is being courageous.
  • God is doing everything He can to bring your prodigal back.

Scripture References:

  • Malachi 4:6a “He will turn the hearts of the parents to their children, and the hearts of the children to their parents”
  • Romans 15:13 “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”
  • Job 1:10 “You have always put a wall of protection around him and his home and his property. You have made him prosper in everything he does.”
  • Isaiah 61:1-5 “The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is upon me, for the LORD has anointed me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent me to comfort the brokenhearted and to proclaim that captives will be released and prisoners will be freed. He has sent me to tell those who mourn that the time of the LORD’s favor has come, and with it, the day of God’s anger against their enemies. To all who mourn in Israel, he will give a crown of beauty for ashes, a joyous blessing instead of mourning, festive praise instead of despair. In their righteousness, they will be like great oaks that the LORD has planted for his own glory. They will rebuild the ancient ruins, repairing cities destroyed long ago. They will revive them, though they have been deserted for many generations. Foreigners will be your servants. They will feed your flocks and plow your fields and tend your vineyards.”

Recommended Resources:

Social Media Links for Host:

Connect with Judy Slegh:

Website / Instagram / Facebook / Facebook Group / LinkedIn

For more hope, stay connected with Dr. Bengtson at:

Order Book Breaking Anxiety’s Grip / Order Book Hope Prevails  /  Website  /  Blog  /  Facebook / Twitter (@DrMBengtson)  /  LinkedIn  /  Instagram / Pinterest / YouTube / Podcast

About Judy Slegh:

Judy R. Slegh is passionate in helping others get free of emotional baggage through healing prayer. Writing her first book, Help! I Have a Prodigal, she combined her personal experiences with a prodigal son with the healing prayer tools she uses as leader of Nephros Ministries. She found it a joy to speak into her biology student’s lives for seventeen years and now brings hope to the imprisoned through leading a birthday card ministry called Affirming You. Being a Minnesotan, she enjoys kayaking on lakes and rivers as well bird watching and biking with her husband Daryl.

Hosted By: Dr. Michelle Bengtson Audio Technical Support: Bryce Bengtson

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

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Meet Your Host
Dr. Michelle Bengtson is a hope concierge! She is a board-certified clinical neuropsychologist, international speaker, and award-winning author dedicated to offering hope, healing, and practical tools for mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being. As the host of the top-rated podcast Your Hope-Filled Perspective, she combines her professional expertise with biblical truth to empower listeners to overcome anxiety, depression, and life’s challenges through faith.

A trusted voice in Christian mental health, Dr. Bengtson is the bestselling author of Hope Prevails: Insights from a Doctor's Personal Journey through Depression and Breaking Anxiety's Grip. With over 30 years of clinical experience, she has helped countless individuals find lasting freedom from fear, stress, and discouragement.

Dr. Bengtson is a frequent media guest on platforms such as Focus on the Family, Life Today, and Moody Radio. Her writing and resources have been featured on outlets including Crosswalk, iBelieve, and Salem Media, equipping believers to embrace God's promises in every season.

Connect with Dr. Bengtson at DrMichelleBengtson.com, where she shares faith-based encouragement, expert insights, and free resources for cultivating a hope-filled life.
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