There are moments in parenting that hit you like a punch to the soul. You think you're doing okay. You're packing lunches, driving to soccer practice, reminding them to floss—and then, out of nowhere, they look you in the eye and say:
“I don’t believe in God anymore.”
Time stops.
Your throat tightens.
You try to look calm, but inside, a thousand prayers explode all at once.
When Your Child's Faith Breaks
The Words That Tear Through You
I still remember where I was standing. He was slouched on the couch, arms crossed, eyes guarded. He said it so casually, like it wasn’t about to change everything.
And yet, it did.
That one sentence felt heavier than anything he’d ever said.
Not because I expected perfection. But because faith—faith was home. It was the heartbeat of our family.
And now, one of us was walking away.
Rebellion or Something Deeper?
It’s easy to label it as “just a phase” or teenage rebellion. But beneath the surface, there’s usually pain, questions, unmet expectations.
Kids don’t reject God because they’re bored.
They reject Him because something in their story cracked—and they need to know they’re still loved in the mess.
A Mother’s Prayer and a Father’s Steady Hand
Praying When Words Fail
There were nights I couldn’t find the right words to pray. So I just cried and whispered his name to heaven.
Other times, I walked around the house muttering, “Lord, I know You’re not done with him. Please don’t be done.”
Because yes—
"Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved—you and your household.” (Acts 16:31)
That verse became my anchor.
Fathers Who Love Without Lecturing
It wasn’t just me. His dad stepped in too. Not with lectures, but with silent strength.
They built things in the garage. Watched old movies. Talked about nothing and everything.
Sometimes the best sermons are preached without a single word.
Just presence. Just love.
God Is Still in the Story (Even When It Doesn’t Look Like It)
The Prodigal Son Hits Different When It’s Your Kid
I used to love the story of the prodigal son.
Until I was the parent in that parable.
Now, I read it with tears in my eyes and a knot in my stomach.
The waiting. The praying. The watching the road every day, hoping for a silhouette to appear.
And when it finally does—when he comes home dirty, tired, unsure—you don’t ask questions.
You just run.
Noticing the Little Clues That God Leaves Behind
Faith doesn’t always return with a grand confession.
Sometimes it’s a question at dinner:
“Do you still pray?”
Or a worship song playing in the background—and they don’t skip it.
Or a quiet moment when they sit next to you during church, even if their eyes are on their phone.
God whispers before He roars. Learn to listen for the whisper.
How to Hold On Without Falling Apart
Caring for Your Soul While You Wait
Parents in spiritual crisis mode often forget this:
You need care too.
You can’t pour from an empty spirit.
Make space for your own devotionals. Join that prayer group. Take a walk and cry it out.
Yes, you’re praying for your child. But God is holding you, too.
Keeping the Faith Alive in the House
Even if your child is drifting, let your home stay rooted.
Keep worship music playing.
Pray at dinner.
Talk about Jesus as naturally as you talk about the weather.
Faith isn't forced—it’s caught.
Let them catch it in the way you live, love, and show up every day.
Conclusion: When You Can’t See a Way, Trust the One Who Sees Everything
Maybe you’re reading this with tears streaming down your face.
Maybe your child just dropped that same sentence on you.
Or maybe you’ve been living in this in-between space for months… years.
Here’s what I want to say, from one heartbroken parent to another:
God is not finished.
He’s not finished with your child.
He’s not finished with your family.
He’s not finished with you.
So pray.
Cry.
Hold space for the return.
And maybe one day, out of nowhere, your child will look at you and say:
“Mom… do you still pray? Because I think I might need to again.”
Until then—
Keep the light on.
Keep the faith warm.
Keep the love louder than the silence.
A Verse to Carry You:
“Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it.”
— Proverbs 22:6
A Mother’s Prayer for a Child Who Walked Away
“God of mercy, I place my child in Your hands. Speak to them in dreams. Find them where I cannot. Bring peace to their restless heart. And give me patience, hope, and courage to love them like You do.”
Need support on your own journey? Explore these resources to nourish your spirit while you wait:
Daily devotional journals here — to keep your heart anchored when everything feels adrift.
