Have you ever strayed from God? Maybe you feel the tug on your heart to return. The whispers of love are tempting, but, there’s screams of shame and then there’s this nagging thing called pride.
Yet, your heavenly Father is there, repeatedly sending hand-written invitations, wanting nothing more than for you to sink back into His welcoming arms.
God’s children knew this feeling in Isaiah 41. God was calling them back, but they had quite a bit of hesitation.
Wrong choices led by pride.
Wanting to bury their heads in shame.
Although their heartstrings couldn’t ignore the pain those choices led to, their souls knew how easy it could be to make everything right once more.
Isaiah encouraged God’s people: they were chosen by God, (verses 8-9). And they were indeed. And so are we. We are chosen by God. We have nothing He needs. He just wants our presence. He chose us.
Wow.
Isaiah reminded them they are also friends of God. So are we. (John 15:14-15) Friends return and make amends. Even after a spat.
Following a bout of immaturity.
Past the moments of selfishness.
Oh, there needs to be reconciliation and a chorus of “I am sincerely and deeply sorry.” But friends return, forgive, and make-up.
And believe it or not, God offers that line-up to us, too. He does choose us.
He does call us friends.
He is waiting on us to wake up and realize how blessed we are to know Him, be loved by Him, and be chosen by Him.
God’s children found their way back to Him. And were blessed for it.
We can too, when we humble ourselves and ask for His forgiveness. Will you join me in a prayer for just that?
Prayer: Dear Lord, It feels ridiculously easy to stray from You. Yet, You did choose me. You do call me friend. You do yearn for my return. Please help humble me. Allow me to be honest with You. Thank You for Your constant invitation, and Your everlasting forgiveness. I desperately desire Your presence and do not wish to be separated from You any longer. Forgive me. Thank You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.