The God Who Restores – The Heart of the Father

Scripture: “And he arose and came to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him."— Luke 15:20 (ESV)

Reflection:

When we read the story of the prodigal son, it’s easy to condemn his behavior. How could a son treat a loving father so cruelly — as though wishing him dead just to claim his inheritance now?

But over time, I’ve come to see myself in that story. I’ve been that prodigal — fighting for control, taking my body for granted, ignoring its needs, and forgetting that it too belongs to God.  Then, when pain and fatigue leave me weary, I feel like a stranger in my own skin and turn to food for comfort or scroll endlessly for distraction, while my body quietly pleads for healing.

Yet, just like the prodigal son, when nothing can ease the pain and I finally look up — when I admit I’ve reached the end of my own rope and long for healing — I discover something breathtaking: the Father is already running toward me.

He doesn’t meet me with shame; He meets me with an embrace. He doesn’t demand perfection; He offers presence. Even in my bruised and weary places, He whispers, “You’re still Mine. Come home.”

This body — this vessel of dust, yet still a temple of the Holy Spirit — has been through much. And grace doesn’t see it as something broken to fix; it sees something beloved to restore. Every gentle choice — a walk in the sunlight, a nourishing meal, a deep breath — becomes an act of worship. I am not starting over in failure; I am being welcomed into renewal.

Prayer

Lord, thank You for seeing me even in my weariness and for loving me back to life. Teach me to treat my body not with guilt, but with gratitude —as something You designed with care and redeemed with grace. Let each small step toward health be holy ground where Your mercy meets me.

I ask this prayer in the name of Your Son and my Saviour Jesus Christ, Amen.

Affirmation

“My healing is not a return to what was, but a gentle restoration to what grace is making new.”

Benediction

May the God who runs to meet you in compassion restore your strength with tenderness. May He renew your body, calm your heart, and remind you that every breath, every step, is grace. 💛