COME HOME, BELOVED
As we wrapped up our conversation, her words were, “Pastor, I wish I had been listening to you way earlier. My life would have been better than this”. Seated in front of me was a brilliant load of potentials that poor and low-quality decisions had severely damaged. Her life would have turned out better if she had a strong voice of counsel.
One of the most painful things that can happen to anyone is to lack a home, a pastor to run to, or a spiritual family to strengthen you. But if you have been blessed with any of this, one of the lies the devil will tell you is, “Why on earth do you want to call someone you have not been in touch with? Do you know how they will respond?”
A beloved one had not been in touch for years. I always call him occasionally to check up on him. At a season, I sensed a prompt to pray for him and others. In less than twenty-four hours, he reached out. He was already contemplating ending it all. He feels there was no way he could regain all the lost ground morally, spiritually, and in his career.
Friends, if you have a home, run there now. You may not have learned by instruction, but you also do not have to learn by destruction. The devil wants you to feel like there are no options and you are hopeless. It is a lie. It is a lie. It is a lie. There is always that way of escape- the path that mercy has created. Please begin the long walk home.
Hear the words of the father: for this son of mine was dead and has now returned to life. He was lost, but now he is found.’ So the party began. Luke 15:24 NLT
You are still a Son. Do not let the devil lie to you. Some things may be dead right now, but there is life right at home. No matter the number of abortions you did or made happen, there is still a home.
No matter how bad a car is, when it is returned to the manufacturer, it can come back as new. Beloved, no matter how messed up you are, the devil has stolen- he stole some time, but God redeems times and seasons. He stole virtue from you, but God can still anoint you till your cup overflows. He stole your dignity, but have you read that the lost son was given royal robes and shoes?
He stole, but do not let him conclude by killing and destroying. You are not his game. You are not his prey.
The most beautiful picture ever is that of a loving father hugging a son in rags. You do not have to stay beaten by the sun and violated by snakes. The father is running towards you using voices of counsel in your life. He is also using me right now, saying it is not the end. A dead son can still become a living son.
Come home. The doors are wide open. The arms are wide open.
© temilOluwa Ola, Eruwa