I’ve been thinking a lot about the father in the story of the prodigal son found in the gospel of Luke chapter 15. I’ve been thinking about this man’s faith, the kind of faith that sees beyond what the natural eye sees. A faith that believes beyond the broken heart and as a mother I marvel at the trust the father shows even when experience screams, “STOP this kid, there are consequences to this decision”! I’ve been thinking about the strength of will that refuses to run after that rebellious kid and lovingly talk some sense into him. I’ve been thinking about the kind of love that doesn’t seek its own by wanting to “fix it”; rather waiting patiently and allowing his son to discover his own faith and relationship with God. I’ve been thinking about the kind of peace that did not allow fear to run freely in his imagination fixating on the innumerable dangers and choices his son might make. I’ve been thinking about the kind of joy that overcame him as he ran to his repentant son.
Yes I’ve been thinking and I asked the question, “God how can I live like that?” And then came versus 24! “For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.”
The scripture does not detail for us the father’s journey, the only insight we have into this process is versus 24. The father had lived through grief and he had surrendered to it. “This son of mine was dead”. To let go completely, to let the dream die, to let go of the “what ifs”, to grieve the loss and still trust God with resurrection hope is a powerful thing. It is the place where there is no more struggle.
“I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me.” Galatians 2:20
This parable teaches us about living by faith. Where ever and whatever place or circumstance you find yourself; whether it is the death of a dream, a loss of friend, the ache of disappointment, or the pain of a rebellious child learn from this parable of our Lord. Learn to embrace the hurt, the loss, the anger and the disappointment because only then will you be free from the struggle and live a life of faith.
From my heart to yours,
Blessings,
DaNetta
I can surely relate to this. Faith in the waiting, without knowing, a heart can surely break if not for hope. Thank you, DaNetta.
So true, I learned this when my daughter Elizabeth was dealing with addiction. As I struggled to fix her and tried to make her who I wanted her to be. One night I was going to pick her up from work and I was crying because I knew she was doing meth and my heart was broken, as I was crying to God saying why is she doing this? Why can’t she be in college and why this and why that. Then I heard Him say to me “your plans are not My plans” oh my gosh I cried more but that was the last time I shed tears for her. I totally gave her to Him and waited patiently for Him to move. It was there my faith grew and continues to grow. She is clean for 2 years now and just got a job. She is a good mommy. God is still working in her and I know He has a plan for her and all my children. That was one of the most freeing days of my life. I have faith in Him to work it all out His way. One day all knees will bow down every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord. Thanks for letting me share my faith story. Thanks for sharing DaNetta
OMG, DaNetta, this is so profound and so helpful! Thank you so much for sharing your insights with us. I love and appreciate you very much.