In the earliest part of my journey as a born-again believer, I remember reading about and relating to the account of the prodigal son found in Luke 15. Like the young man in this chapter of Scripture, I was wayward. This man’s father was gracious to him, bestowing upon him provision without question. My Heavenly Father has always been merciful to me, making a way where there was none and blessing me with more than I have ever deserved. However, like the prodigal son, I unintentionally turned from God’s will and used those blessings for my own personal gain.
If you have experienced the conviction of God, then you have found yourself in this situation as well. From the first breath of my life, God’s love has been with me. He has never turned astray — that was me. However, in His infinite grace, He does not expect perfection. He sent His perfect Son to die for us on the cross because He knew that we would mess up. Yet, when we realize we have gone astray, He opens His loving arms to welcome us home. Like the father in Luke 15, He rejoices to see His precious children running back to where we belong. There is no discouragement in that–only peace.