"So he got up and went to his father. "But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him." Luke 15:20
Four years ago, Rachelle Johnson, a 32-year-old runner from Kentucky, found herself completely off track. She was overweight, out of shape and smoking more than a pack of cigarettes every day. After many struggles though, Rachelle was happy to announce recently that she has completed six half marathons and one full marathon since her journey to become healthier began. And for those still struggling to overcome bad habits, she offered this advice, "Never beat yourself up. There is always tomorrow to get back on track. It’s okay to take breaks, jump back on when you’re ready again. You’re never too far gone to start or start again. Don’t watch the clock; do what it does. Keep going."
And you know what? She’s right. Whether you have gotten off track spiritually or physically, it's never too late and you're never too far gone to start over. The parable of the lost son clearly illustrates that. The story goes that a man had two sons. The younger one not only asked for his inheritance early but took it and squandered it on wild living only to be left homeless and starving. Although he felt it was too late to reconcile with this father, he had nowhere else to go so "got up and went to his father" who "ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him." In other words, the father welcomed his son back with open arms, not caring how much time had passed or what the boy had done.
And you know what? Our Heavenly Father is waiting patiently to do the same with all his children that have gone astray. And that includes you my friend. No matter how long you have been away or how far you have gotten off track, God wants to welcome you home today. Will you let him?
Heavenly Father, thank You for loving us so much that you would be willing and ready to welcome us home no matter how far we have wandered. Help us to realize how lost and in need of a Savior that we are that we might run back to you, confess our sins, and get back on track. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen.
Happy Running!!!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TG6s8DxQJ5w
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