The Prodigal?

Today I am reminded of Jesus’ parable of the prodigal son.  I'm sure some will think this is a simplistic view.  But have we forgotten Who is in charge?

Today we are proclaiming that we need to pray for our nation.

Yes, prayer changes something ~ it changes us!

Were we praying yesterday?  Last week?  Last month?

If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.  2 Chronicles 7:14

It seems that somewhere along the way we stopped fearing God and started chasing the American Dream.  We started serving ourselves and turning our backs on unity and the principles that our nation was founded upon.

Now things aren’t going so well.  The American Dream is allusive, ever-changing, always outside our grasp.  And even when it is seized, many recipients still admit they are ‘missing something.’

Our Heavenly Father never changes.

The state of our nation is no surprise to Him.  

For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him.  Colossians 1:16

And if we believe His Holy Word, then we must know that nothing catches Him off guard, and there is a reason for everything.

We know that all things work together for good to those who love God… Romans 8:28

After all, He put the human race in charge, right?  And since we aren't perfect, well...

We certainly have choices and freedoms that others do not.  We can choose to complain... or to act.

I believe He will use whatever He has to in order to get our attention.

We know from Scripture that God will never leave nor forsake us!  If we have never really relied on Him, maybe it's time we start.  And if we have been running away from Him, maybe it’s time we turn back to Him?

Luke 15:11-32 ~ Jesus continued: “There was a man who had two sons.  The younger one said to his father, ‘Father, give me my share of the estate.’  So he divided his property between them.
Not long after that, the younger son got together all he had, set off for a distant country and there squandered his wealth in wild living.  After he had spent everything, there was a severe famine in that whole country, and he began to be in need. ..
So he got up and went to his father.  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.
The son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you.  I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’…
But the father said to his servants, ‘Quick!  Bring the best robe and put it on him.  Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet.  Bring the fattened calf and kill it.  Let’s have a feast and celebrate.   For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’  So they began to celebrate…

The older brother became angry and refused to go in.  So his father went out and pleaded with him…
‘My son, the father said, ‘you are always with me, and everything I have is yours.  But we had to celebrate and be glad, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’”

Maybe it’s time we become alive again.  What if we were to humble ourselves and run into the open arms of our Father?

Lord, if I desire change, let change begin in me.