When All Seems Lost: Return To The Lord
Angel Maldonado
Your Decision—Your Choice
Have you ever decided to head in a different direction even though where you were was great? Maybe, that decision or choice:
didn’t turn out so great;
messed some stuff up in your life;
got you in some trouble;
took you to a place you didn’t want to be in or where you are currently in.
Have you ever been or are in a place that you do not want to be in and dreamed about going back to where you were, but for many reasons, you have not?
What’s the Point?
We all make mistakes.
We all have made choices that we can call “head-scratchers.”
Fathers may tell their children:
“I do not think you are ready for this.”
“I do not think this is going to benefit you.”
“This is not in your best interest.”
When Our Mind Is Made Up
We all know that sometimes when our minds are made up, it is very difficult for some of us to change. We’ll dive into a story in the Bible about a father who had two young sons. One of them chose to take his inheritance early, and that decision didn’t seem like a good one.
Jesus continued: “There was a man who had two sons. The younger one said to his father, ‘Father, give me my share of the estate.’ So he divided his property between them. “Not long after that, the younger son got together all he had, set off for a distant country and there squandered his wealth in wild living. After he had spent everything, there was a severe famine in that whole country, and he began to be in need. So he went and hired himself out to a citizen of that country, who sent him to his fields to feed pigs. He longed to fill his stomach with the pods that the pigs were eating, but no one gave him anything. Luke 15:11-16
What’s the Hurry?
Some of us might be in a hurry for something. Maybe, it’s not time yet. This young man asked for an inheritance before it was time for him to receive it. Not waiting can lead to making mistakes. Why? Because we do not see the whole picture and become impatient.
I waited patiently for the Lord; he turned to me and heard my cry. Psalm 40:1
Why did this young man go into the far country? He did it for one reason. He went away because he was seeking to please himself. He was so intent on pleasing himself that he had no thought for any loss or pain that might come to himself or anyone else.
I Am in Need!
Verse Luke 15:14 tells us that the young man was in want and need. What is your need? The young man tried to fix his situation.
So he went and hired himself out to a citizen of that country, who sent him to his fields to feed pigs. He longed to fill his stomach with the pods that the pigs were eating, but no one gave him anything. Luke:15:15-16
Deception
This world will show us half of the reality. Sin over promises and under delivers! We can be humbled in a minute. That is all that the “far country” has for any person. The far country will give nothing; will have no pity, nor sympathy, no help.
Turning Point
“When he [the son] came to his senses, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have food to spare, and here I am starving to death! I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired servants.’ So he got up and went to his father…” Luke 17-20
Self-Reflection
The son reflected on his life back at home. My father will never turn me away. There is enough for me there. I will turn away from this and return to my father—repentance. What is keeping you away from returning to the Father? Name it.
The Journey Home
When we turn back home, we are headed in the right direction. That direction leads you to God! Maybe life has given you some punches. There is pain, struggles, and sadness. Nevertheless, there is a path that leads to peace, love, and healing!
The Path is Jesus
One day the young son returns,
…But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him. Luke 15:20
God has never moved from his spot. Imagine the father in the story walking every day to that same spot where he stood, as his son walked towards the far country, but instead, waiting and looking to see if today was the day his son would return. Similarly, God has been waiting for you. What an awesome display of God’s love towards us!
“The son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ Luke 15:21
He had shame and guilt; he did not feel worthy of the father. In contrast, his father unconditionally welcomes him.
But the father said to his servants, ‘Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let’s have a feast and celebrate. For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and was found.’ So they began to celebrate. Luke 15:22-24
God reminds us in the response in verse 22, that no matter where you have been, no matter the shame, no matter the guilt, no matter what you have done, there is a place in God for you. The ring symbolizes your standing as a child of God (our Father).
There is:
Forgiveness for you today in Christ,
A place for you in Christ,
Life in Christ today!
