Many people today leave God to chase after worldly things, just like the prodigal son in Luke 15:11-32. At first, he thought he could live a better life away from his father, but he later realised that life without his father was full of suffering. In the same way, some Christians turn away from God, thinking they can find happiness in money, fame, or pleasure. But in the end, they face trouble and realise that only God gives true peace. No matter how far you may have gone, God is always ready to welcome you back with love and grace. Learn more in this article.
The quest for material gains
People work hard for money, sometimes even forgetting about God. Many feel pressured to succeed. As a result of that, some prioritise their jobs, businesses, or personal desires before God. But is that a good thing? Of course not!
Although the Bible doesn’t state emphatically why the prodigal son desired his share of his father’s inheritance, it could be that he may have been influenced by friends who lived carelessly, so he thought he needed to do the same. Dear one, be careful about the friends you keep because bad company can lead you away from following God’s ways. Instead of running after money and pleasure, seek God’s will for your life and pursue it ardently.
In life, we all make mistakes. But when we find ourselves in trouble, we must not lose hope.
Don’t suffer without doing something about it.
When the prodigal son lost everything, he did not just sit and complain. He took action by working for a man who raised pigs (Luke 15:15). Though it was not a great job, he did not give up.
In life, we all make mistakes. But when we find ourselves in trouble, we must not lose hope. Sometimes, the solution is to take small steps—finding a job, seeking advice, or humbling ourselves. Most importantly, ask God for direction on how to fix your life. God is always ready to help those who call on Him.
Come back to Jesus
Luke 15:17 says the prodigal son ‘came to his senses.‘ He realised that his father’s house was better than where he was. In the same way, many people have left the faith, but God is calling them back. No matter how far you have gone, Jesus is always ready to forgive and welcome you in repentance. Luke 15:20-24 shows how the father welcomed his son with joy. Joel 2:25 also says God can restore wasted years. If you feel lost, do not be afraid to return to Jesus. He loves you and is waiting for you with open arms. Get back to God in repentance.
