Hope Lies Ahead Book cover

Hope Lies Ahead

Encouragement for Parents of Prodigals from a Family That's Been There

“What a story! A courageously transparent father and son boast of their weaknesses so that God is clearly the hero in this life-and-death struggle of addiction and religion versus relationship….” So begins the review on the first page of Hope Lies Ahead, and you’ll be captivated from there. This candid new book delves into the depths of drug abuse, deeper grace, and God’s kindness in answer to prayer. Co-written by James and his son Geoff, Hope Lies Ahead recounts Geoff’s prodigal path and God’s transforming power in their hearts and their relationship. “That Geoff and I can write this book together is nothing less than a miracle,” James writes in the introduction. Read it, and you’ll find out why… and be encouraged by the hope God alone can give.

"Few things reveal our limitations in life and ministry like parenting children. And, as Pastor James shows us, parenting a rebellious child can be a heart-wrenching, soul-crushing experience, but God uses it for good—both to teach us as parents to wait on God and also to make us understand more about His love for us. James’s books have infused me with more gospel hope on this issue than anything else I’ve encountered. I am constantly recommending his writings on this to others, who inevitably thank me and pass it on to others. "God is right now writing the testimony of our children.” Pastor James (and his son Geoff) will show you, with inspiring transparency, how you can be a faithful partner in His gracious work in your kids. What a blessed thought: ultimate hope for our children is found not in our parenting abilities but our Father’s goodness."

“What a story! A courageously transparent father and son boast of their weaknesses so that God is clearly the hero in this life-and-death struggle of addiction and religion versus relationship—on so many levels! Every parent should get this as a handbook because it clearly illustrates the long, hard journey of parenting any child. It helped me trade my shame and guilt for a thirst for fervent prayer and unconditional-love relationships with my kids and grandkids for the long, long haul. The title sums it up well, hope does lie ahead!”

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