DON'T GIVE UP!

"While he was a long way off..."   Luke 15


This is how it describes the scene before the Father embarrasses himself.  This is how it describes the picture before the Father grabs his robe and runs, which in this culture you did not do unless you were in battle.  This is how it describes the afternoon when he was almost done for the day, but the Father was still waiting, still watching, at the gate, longing for the return of the one who had broken his heart. 

Way down the road, still way off, he could barely see something, but He knew it was him.  He knew it was His son and so it began. 


Don't rush the story.  Don't get to the good part yet.  Are you longing?  Are you standing there waiting until you feel like your heart is going to break?  Has someone walked out on your life and broken your heart and you know that they are making choices that could land them in far worse places than a pig pen?  Know this, in the longing and praying and waiting, there is a Father standing with you, longing and praying and waiting with you this very moment.  He does not turn to leave and go in until you do.  And tomorrow He returns with you to long and pray and wait again until way down the road you both see something.  For He is after something more than the waiting. 




Commit everything you do to the LORD, Trust Him, and He will help you.  Be still in the presence of the LORD, and wait patiently for Him to act.  Psalm 37:5,7


Today, be encouraged in the waiting, though your heart feels it is about to break. He sees and knows and is very involved in each detail bringing it all where it needs to be.  He is hurting, too, longing for things to change.  Remember, He is at the gate waiting and longing with you.  You are not alone.