Greetings in the name of the One who is carrying your bags today, Jesus Christ – THE Risen Saviour! I trust that you had a really good weekend and Monday enjoying all that God sent your way and creating ‘moments’ to fuel your journey. I am quite sure that this beautiful weather is quietly restoring you and refreshing your spirit. I will be praying for you today, asking Father to release the joy of His presence that creates strength.
Over the past weeks God has been drawing my attention to the story of the lost son found in Luke 15:11-24, often referred to as the prodigal son. I have received several email devotions and ministry articles about this story, It is has been referenced in my daily devotions. One of my favourite singers is releasing a sound track to a movie called American Prodigal – David Crowder. One of my favourite groups is releasing a new cd called The Very Next Thing – Casting Crowns, and I watched their video of a song – One Step Away this morning …and yes it is about the lost son (I will be putting the link in the prayer email). I am thinking that God wants me to focus my thinking on the ‘lost son’.
I understand the story from many perspectives, both as an observer – there are many ‘lost sons’, and daughters, around us, and as a participant – I have been the ‘lost son’ many times it seems. Most of the times that I have lost myself is not some deliberate choice or desire to do so but from a neglect of actively seeking the Father’s direction. I somehow thought that I knew a better, easier, more exciting, less demanding, and happier way. I simply chose my way rather than the Father’s. Those of you who relate to what I am sharing, because you have done the same thing, understand how innocent it all seemed.
However, again many will understand, it didn’t take too long before my ideas, plans, and desires started to take more energy. ability, and strength than I could handle. It gets really embarrassing trying to live your life on fumes and you start affecting the lives of others…and in some cases you stop have an affect on other people. Sure enough, I found that it is a rather lonely place and I longed for what I walked away from…if only I could return without acknowledging that I was responsible. However, I really am wise enough by now to know that I was only – one step away.
It was an incredible moment when I arrived back at where I started without my baggage. I have seen the homecoming feeling many times at the “Arrivals” area of the airport. The joy, the laughter, the tears, the animated conversations, the facial expressions..relief and peace and assurance, and the quick departure for the familiar. Strangely and satisfyingly enough I was not allowed to stay in that grand moment because being restored to where I left from demands making progress, moving on. I know that as unsuccessful as my journey into being lost was, I had gained new and important information that needed to be shared for the benefit of others. The Father has plans for every experience of my life.
May you be blessed toady!