Word of the Father · Day 190/366
To the Child Who Walked Away
“And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him.”
Luke 15:20
🎧 Listen to this devotional
I saw you yesterday thinking about someone who walked away from you, and your heart ached in a way only someone who has truly loved like that can understand. Maybe that someone is a child, a sibling, a friend who chose a different path and took a whole piece of you along in the parting.
I know what that's like better than you imagine, far better. I have children who walk away from Me every single day, all the time, and yet I stand still on the road, staring fixedly at the horizon, waiting to recognize the footsteps coming home. I never give up waiting for those I love, no matter how long it takes.
Today I want to lend you a little of My patience as a father who waits. You don't have to run after them, forcing a return that isn't time for yet. Stay by the window, with your heart open, without ever locking the door for good. I know how to throw a real celebration when someone comes back, even after a long time away from home.
Declare today
I choose to keep my heart open for the one who walked away, trusting the Father with the timing of their return.
🙏 Pray
Father, this distance hurts so much. Help me wait with patience, the way You wait for me.
📓 Something to think about today
Is there someone who has walked away from me for whom I still need to keep the door open?