What is Your Prodigal Story?

…for this thy brother was dead, and is alive again; and was lost, and is found.
~ Luke 15:32, KJV ~

There once was a man with two sons. The younger made a request to his father to attain his inheritance. Once he received his allotment he took up his journey to a distant place. There, he lived a fast and dangerous life. It was not until some time after he found himself abandoned, alone, and homeless. Mustering up the courage, he slowly made his way back to his father’s home. Battling with himself whether or not this was a good idea. His one thought is the rejection of his father and displeasure his father will have with him. On the other, he believed his father to be a reasonable and just man. As he slowly made his way home – His father kept a vigilant eye to catch a glimpse of his younger son. As the father sat and watched the road stretch out from the home a shadow of a figure slowly appeared on the horizon.

Hope welled up within the Father’s breast and he quickly raced down the road to meet his son. Both walked, spoke, and rekindled their relationship. Arriving home, the father prepared a feast in celebration for his long lost son. Reunited both men sought comfort and joy.

There is a reason the parable of the prodigal son resonates with many people in recovery. It is our story. It is our personal tragedy. It is also our story of redemption and restoration. It is about our forgiveness of how we have lived our lives. It is about receiving the blessings of restoration and healing. It is our story of celebration and victory as we return home.

Notice that the Father raced toward his long lost son. Both walked back to where the Father lived. Take in the scenery of the preparation and celebration. The placing of the cloak and ring upon the younger son.

What is your prodigal story? How have you been restored through the Gospel of Jesus Christ? What manner of celebration awaits you in the eternities to come? If you have not made the journey back to our Heavenly Father’s grace – what is keeping you? Sure, the prodigal may have feared the condemnation of His father. Quite appropriate to understand the mental anguish and reasoning that may have gone on to take that courageous leap of faith to get up and start walking toward home.

Here is what we are promised: God has not ever forsaken us. We may have forsaken Him. Yet, he stands – ever vigilant and watchful. 2 Chronicles 7:14 shares this truth:

If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.

It takes great courage to humble ourselves and make our journey back to the arms of grace and forgiveness. Our Heavenly Father is ready and willing to heal and restore. Are you ready to take up the journey?

~ Today’s Prayer and Meditation ~

Heavenly Father, I seek your forgiveness and humble myself before you. Help me find the courage to make my way back home so that I may be healed and restored. Through Jesus Christ, I come with all that I have and offer myself up to you in full surrender to your will and desire. For once I was dead and now I seek to be made alive. For once I was lost and now I am found. I thank you for your mercy and grace. In Jesus Name, Amen.