Wanda was a 20-year-old who was living at home but had no real responsibilities. She had a job with a decent income and spent her free time hanging out with friends. All of that collapsed when she became pregnant.
Broken and scared, Wanda dreaded the thought of telling her parents. What would they think of her? Would they still love her? But when she could no longer hide the signs of the little life growing inside her, she tearfully broke the news to her mother and father.
Wanda’s dad immediately reached across the kitchen table, squeezed his daughter’s trembling hand and said, “Well, it’s been a while since we’ve heard the pitter-patter of little feet around here.” Wanda’s parents then warmly wrapped their arms around her and reassured her of their love and support.
The first time I heard Wanda’s story, I couldn’t help but think of how much it reflected the very thing Jesus said happens when broken and messy people return home to their heavenly Father. In Jesus’ story about the lost son (Luke 15:11-32), the son returned home broken and desperate after having totally disregarded his father and squandered his portion of the family estate in self-indulgence (Luke 15:12-13). But before the son ever got a chance to utter a single word of apology, his father raced out to meet him and welcomed him home with hugs of compassion and love (Luke 15:20).
Jesus told this story for those of us who have messed up and made a wreck of our lives. He told the story to say that if we come home, our Father in heaven will love and accept us—no matter what.
Do you feel backed into a corner by something you’ve done? Go “home” and let your heavenly Father surprise you with His grace.
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: Matthew 28:16-20
More:
Read 1 John 1:9 and consider what God promises to do when we come to Him in repentance.
Next:
What does God’s grace mean to you? What prevents people from coming to God and confessing their sins?
Gary Shultz on October 3, 2015 at 6:54 am
Love the account. It is a difficult account for me, my generation was raised in a corporal system, this story shows only love. I still struggle working out the whole process without any corporal portion in the equation. This week an account on the radio of a woman who was being mocked because of her appearance by some chicky women, paused and then bought them their Starbucks. Man that’s fast love in action. I must pray that I could get over the offense that quick to allow someone to be stunned by love. Got some work to do. Thanks
sdwise on October 3, 2015 at 7:27 am
Gary thank you for the reminder. I think I see an opportunity in a meeting I must attend this morning. Have a blessed day!
Winn Collier on October 3, 2015 at 10:18 am
This story was good for my heart this morning. Thanks.
Roxanne Robbins on October 3, 2015 at 2:12 pm
What a beautiful metaphor of God’s grace extended to us!