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The Father Awaits

 

Luke 15:24 - For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found. And they began to be merry. 

The Lord’s attitude toward you can be seen through the father in the parable of the prodigal son (Luke 15:11-32). Perhaps you remember this story about a young man who asked his father for his share of the inheritance. The young man left home, wasted his money, and found himself in deep destitution.

The father in the parable never gave up on his son – just as your heavenly Father never gives up on you. Yes, God’s heart is grieved when you turn away from Him. But your departure saddens Him because He understands that sin can only lead you to increasing disillusionment and despair. So, like the father in the story, He watches and waits for you to realize that what you’re doing isn’t working.

Eventually, when the prodigal returned home, the father saw him and ran to meet him. In the same way, the heavenly Father forgives and welcomes you home when you repent of your sin and return to Him (1 John 1:9). And because of your Father’s great love, you still have a future. So don’t continue to make the same mistakes by demanding your own way. Instead, run into His arms, accept His mercy, and acknowledge that His path for you is best.

From – “God’s Purpose for your Life” by Charles F. Stanley