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Courageous Non-pursuit

I’ve always appreciated the story of the prodigal son, the wonderful story of promise that God never gives up on the wayward children.  Recently, the scripture grabbed me from a different perspective.

Did you ever think about this…there is no account that says the father went out looking for his son who had made the decision to leave and go do his own thing?  Surely the father was brokenhearted, most likely prayed every waking minute of every day for his boy whom he loved dearly, BUT, he stayed home.  I believe God has shown me that the father in the story had faith that He (God) would return the son to his senses and restore him to the family.  The earthly father didn’t have to go begging, making deals, blurring all kinds of boundaries by trying to do God’s work.  He just knew the Heavenly Father would be pursuing and could be trusted to do a work that would be eternal.

So what’s the big deal, Ann?  Well, for me (maybe for some of you, too), it means when things seemingly go awry, I’ve been instructed that I’m to continue to have faith and courageously believe that God is doing a work I cannot do.  And I am sure of this, the work can only be completed to the degree that I allow God to love and restore and “bring back” in His way and on His timetable.

Comments

  1. Sue DuffieldAugust 3, 2017 at 12:28 PM

    Love your perspective, Ann. Truth. Continuing to have faith, regardless. And He is doing a work we cannot do. We're all part of the timetable for sure.

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    Replies
    1. Ann DowningAugust 3, 2017 at 12:51 PM

      Thanks, Sue. Absolutely truth. He has a tendency to wait until we're done with trying to make things happen in our finite minds and wisdom...causes the outcome to be delayed. He won't share His glory!

      Delete
    2. Sue DuffieldAugust 3, 2017 at 1:48 PM

      You got that right! ❤️

      Delete
  2. UnknownAugust 7, 2017 at 4:31 AM

    I had never thought of that either Ann. Something that we need to think about
    when our kids begin to leave the nest and we pray for them, but usually after we try to fix them ourselves. MTWR 200 taught me to let them fix themselves with God's help, not my interference. Never thought about it in conjunction with the Prodigal son tho. Some of my kids could benefit from this as their kids and grandkids are leaving home and sewing some wild oats.. Now I can share your wise words with them.. Thanks,,



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