Turnaround for a Son

It was a real low point. Having spent all his money, the young man became so desperate that he was willing to feed pigs in order to provide for himself. Things were so bad that he even was willing to eat their food! But in this moment of hopelessness, he experienced a turning point.

What changed? The man looked back on his life and finally “came to his senses.” He remembered how even his father’s servant had “more than enough bread.” Then he humbled himself and decided to return home, planning to ask his father for forgiveness.

Not long earlier, he had asked his father to give him his share of the estate. Then he went on a journey “into a distant country,” far from his home. For a time, he seemed to enjoy himself, engaging in “loose living.” But then the money ran out.

After deciding to return home, he prepared a speech, ready to admit his mistakes. But, when he arrived, his father demonstrated unconditional love, giving him “the best robe,” a ring, and sandals. Then his father ordered a mighty feast, declaring that his son “was dead and has come to life again; he was lost and has been found.”

Life changed when the young man humbled himself, returned to his father, and sought his forgiveness. Jesus told this story because God the Father offers this kind of turnaround for anyone who has gone astray—even to those who have tried to find fulfillment without Him, wasting their time and resources in the process.

Today, remember that God loves you, no matter what mistakes you’ve made. Let Him forgive you and give you a new start!