Standing at the door…
Good morning, sweet friends! Rise and Shine and give God the glory!
My sweet momma used to come into my bedroom in the mornings when I was growing up singing that phrase.
During those teenage years, I would roll my eyes and crawl deeper in to my covers at the sound. Ha!
Of course, I did the same thing to my children as they were growing up as well.
I am sure they felt the same way I did at times! :)
It is Friday! Yippee!
There is just something about Fridays…right?
When my kids were little we had “Fun Friday Challenge.”
I would give us all a “challenge” for the day.
For example…”do an act of kindness for someone.”
Or, “send someone a thank you note”…
It was always a fun way to end the week.
At the beginning of this week, I was really struggling with a relationship.
A friend that I have been close to for many years has suddenly decided that Jesus is not for her. She has walked away from her faith and with that she has walked away from our friendship.
It has been a hard blow to my heart.
I have grieved, prayed, cried, and left her many messages.
There has been no response from her.
I love her dearly and I am just at at loss with what to do.
Of course, I am praying fervently for her, but I just have felt such guilt.
Like, somehow, I am responsible for her decision to walk away.
It has been a difficult season carrying this heaviness over my precious friend.
However, this morning, as I was praying over her, I was reminded of a story in the Bible.
The story of the Prodigal Son.
The son left his family to go his own way.
His father was devastated.
The son took his inheritance when he left as well.
Years later, the son spent all his money and was tired of this life he had chosen.
The world had nothing for him.
He is now poor and broken with nowhere to go.
The son decides to go back home.
He thought, at least he could be a hired worker for his family and have a better life than his current situation.
As soon as the son rounds the corner into the driveway of his father’s house, his father sees him!
“But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him.” Luke 15:20
I love this picture!
The boy’s father was not mad or upset with his son.
He was just so OVERJOYED by his return home!
As I pictured this scene this morning sipping on my coffee, a smile came to my lips.
I thought of my friend.
I thought of the day she returns back to Jesus…back to the fold of His Loving arms.
Jesus will be OVERJOYED.
He will welcome her with open arms, not throwing guilt and shame upon her.
He will lavish her with unconditional love!!
The father did not go and chase his son down begging him to come back home.
I bet you a million dollars the father prayed earnestly and fervently for his return. Day after day after day.
The father never gave up hope…
Surely, he was waiting at the door, looking out that window daily.
This story has breathed new HOPE into my heart over my friend.
She will return one day.
And Jesus will be standing at the door ready to throw the biggest party Heaven has ever seen!
I love my friend dearly, but Jesus loves her even more.
Our Fun Friday Challenge today…
Read the Parable of the Lost Son. Luke 15:11-32
Many of us have loved ones in our lives that have walked away, gone astray, or hurt us deeply.
Let this story bring peace and hope back to our hearts over the situation.
No matter how long it takes…
Jesus is waiting.
And so are we.
never giving up hope,
jill
