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He arose, and came to his father. But while he was still far off, his father saw him, and was moved with compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him. The son said to him, 'Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.' But the father said to his servants, 'Bring out the best robe, and put it on him. Put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet.' Luke 15:20-22 WEB.

Jesus told a parable that became known as "The Prodigal Son." It's about a young man who grew tired of waiting on his father to die and demanded his inheritance early. Graciously the father gave his part to him. The son immediately left for a faraway country and blew all the money on riotous living, partying, and prostitutes. When his money was all gone, so were all of his friends. He ended up working on a pig farm. Starving, barefooted, and feeding unclean swine was as low as a young Jewish man could go.

While at rock bottom, he suddenly "came to his senses," as we often do. The young man decided to go home and work for his father as a servant. He felt he was no longer worthy of being called his son. Yet, when the father saw his son coming down the road, he ran out to meet him, hugged and kissed him before the son could even tell him the story he had come up with.

The son was barefoot and destitute, but his father placed the best robe he owned on him. Then put a signet ring on his finger and shoes on his feet. His father then held a feast to celebrate his son coming back home. He chose to love and honor the son, far above and beyond what the son was seeking. The parable father was not interested in the long, sad story his son had put together for him. The only thing that mattered was that he was safely back home.

When we stumble, we often act like the son in this story. We hang our heads down, feeling that we are no longer worthy of being called His child. No longer worthy to pray or even attend church. We stop talking to Him, withdraw, and give up on God's plans for our life. All the while, God is waiting with open arms for us to "come to our senses."

You are His child, and the moment your heart returns to God, He will meet you with open arms. You don't have to do a lot of explaining, for He understands, and He will be happy to have you back with Him again. He will restore your place as His child, and His plan for your life will resume as soon as you are ready.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, I so thank You for Your gracious mercy. You are so good to me, and I want to know You even more. Please help me learn to follow You closer and keep me from becoming distracted. In the name of Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen!

Note: "Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray.” James 5:13 ~ If you have a prayer need, we are here for you! We and the prayer team are ready to lift you up at our private prayer page: RHM Prayer Network. If you are interested in joining the prayer team, here is how to get started Prayer Partners.