The Prodigal's ReturnSample

Restored

Taylor Harmon

[Luke 15:31-32 MSG] “His father said, ‘Son, you don’t understand. You’re with me all the time, and everything that is mine is yours—but this is a wonderful time, and we had to celebrate. This brother of yours was dead, and he’s alive! He was lost, and he’s found!’”

The most beautiful thing happens when we place our faith in Christ. As it tells in Philippians 1:6, He begins a work in us that when brought to fruition creates restoration of all things we believe to have lost and more. Just as the prodigal who had left his family, squandered all his money, and lost it all still hoped to return just to be his father’s servant, many of us have walked away from God’s will for us, squandered earthly belongings, and physically, spiritually, or financially lost it all. I spent years chasing my will, living life my way, losing relationships, health, and money. I have experienced pain I thought I could never survive.

God restores our lives when we walk with Him. I came to a place where I understood that as long as I am praying and maintaining a relationship with God, even the things I think are painful and unfortunate; all turn out for the good of God’s will and myself. I found that when I thought all was lost and I had squandered everything I had in life, God blessed me with the return of relationships, peace, and joy in even more abundance than I had before I chose to follow my own will. I always walk away with a blessing from the trials.

As we have a spiritual awakening and return to our Father, we see that as in this parable, we get more than we ever wished in just being His servant. God and heaven celebrate when a lost child comes to Him. We only wish to be His servant, but receive the celebration as well! We were dead, but have come to Christ. We were lost, but now we are found! It IS a wonderful time to celebrate when a child of God comes back to Him.

God, today I pray that You will help me see through the difficulties, and whether self-inflicted or ordained from You, I will understand that as long as I am walking in faith, You will turn all things for good for me. Help me to sit still in the trials and trust You. Help lead and guide me to see the growth opportunities followed by the blessings you provide. Amen.