Tuesday, April 16, 2024
Following high school, I was determined to pursue a certain career path. I went to college, maintained a high GPA, and secured an internship where I received excellent feedback from my supervisor. The company had a history of hiring their interns for full-time positions after graduating from college, and I felt deserving of a position.
Unfortunately, I graduated at the time of the Great Recession, which severely impacted the company and led to layoffs. Being the intern, I was among the first to be let go. At the time, I told myself, “This isn’t fair. I did everything right.” I thought what I had done was more than enough. In hindsight, I realized my setback led to a better opportunity, but I didn’t see it then.
In our faith life, trying to “do enough” causes us to miss the relationship God desires. Equally detrimental is running away and trying to handle things on our own. The “Parable of the Lost Son” (Luke 15:11-32) demonstrates how both approaches fall short.
Luke 15:11-13
11 …Jesus told them this story: “A man had two sons. 12 The younger son told his father, ‘I want my share of your estate now before you die.’ So his father agreed to divide his wealth between his sons. 13 A few days later this younger son packed all his belongings and moved to a distant land, and there he wasted all his money in wild living.”
Like many individuals who spend excessively, the son ran into financial troubles and had no choice but to return home and to his father for help.
Because of his shame, he was unprepared for the joyful reception (Luke 15:20, 24). Yet, his father’s response mirrored that of many who welcome their children back.
The other brother, resentful and unwilling to join the celebration, complained to his father that he never received such recognition for following his father’s orders (Luke 15:28-30), yet even here the father is tender, reminding the older son that everything the father has is his (Luke 15:31-32).
We likely all can relate to one brother or the other, whether you’re prone to run from life or attempt to control it. Yet, like the father in the parable, God welcomes us when we’re lost or scared, promising to provide for our needs. We can’t escape God’s loving presence.
Questions:
Do you find yourself wanting to control situations or run away from them?
Is turning to God your first response when going through a difficult time?
Do you relate more to the prodigal son or the brother?
Next Steps:
This week challenge yourself to pray about the situations you tend to want to control or run away from. Ask God for guidance in these situations.
Participate in the 30 Days - Experiencing God More text campaign. Text “MORE” to (419) 419-0707 to learn ways to connect with God.
Need accountability? Consider joining a Group this summer. You will likely meet people who have faced similar situations and can help you through yours.
Prayer:
Dear God, I live in a world that says I am in control. I know as a Christian you are the ultimate authority. When I want to take control of my life, help me turn to you for guidance. You promise you will never leave me nor forsake me. Amen.
Series Theme Verse:
Romans 6:14
Sin is no longer your master, for you no longer live under the requirements of the law. Instead, you live under the freedom of God’s grace.
This post was written by Connie Disbro, a regular contributor to the LivingItOut Devotional.