In the Hands of a Loving God

There are situations in life where one can not help being afraid when the clutches of evil surround them. For those who seek the protection of God after a very dramatic event confronts them and try to pray for relief find an answer, but many times not on their schedule.

In a recent article the question was asked if God was very far away when we reach our lowest point. During the moment we find ourselves in an unexpected crisis our thoughts should reach out to a loving God who will always be ready to wrap his arms around us with the grace we need to pick ourselves up while facing the onslaught of terror.

Perhaps the most frightening situation for anyone who has fallen prey to something that has them held captive through a life of perdition may suddenly create fear in their heart. This scenario happens quite often and will require patience and love from the members of families.

The Prodigal Son took his inheritance and squandered it all on loose living. Only when he realized his choice was not very smart and not one he once associated with cared, he had no choice but to return. He had no one to speak for him once he started back towards home.

Isn’t it strange that when so many people fall into the desire of ill-repute living will not listen to the voice of wisdom, usually their parents or if married their spouse. When their choices finally bring them to their knees, if they are fortunate to have happen, they usually are ashamed, humiliated, and almost uncertain about returning. The Prodigal Son felt this. As the story goes he tried to organize a reason for returning that he hoped would touch his Father’s heart.

Many of us can relate to this same situation where one or more of ours has done the same thing. In spite of the tears, the anguish, and many sleepless nights we just might see the lost member returning, filled with excuses and hope of being reunited again.

To the Father of the Prodigal Son all he could feel was a genuine relief as when a long way off he saw his Son making his way back. Never once did he wait till his son returned or had a sermon to make him feel ashamed. He ran to embrace his son who once was lost and was found; who once was dead spiritually, and was now alive.

That family member who embarrassed us because of human weakness is also coming to his senses and starts back home. Like the Father God who welcomed his lost son back home, so we too must take on the roll of our Father God and be forgiving to our lost child or spouse.

Hands of a loving God are the very arms that are us and welcoming back the lost member is not a suggestion, it is a mandate that God has entrusted us with. Now we know that many addictions are difficult for those who are trapped and the ones who must face the addiction as well. Recovery is needed and those who are the care-givers need also some counseling to cope with this new trauma.

Ralph B. Hathaway, God’s hands are the loving entities that are us.