Today’s message is from Bob, who was a prodigal who returned home and was remarried to me for an additional 23 years before the Lord took him home to Heaven. Bob wrote 19 books from the prodigal’s perspective for more than two decades after our divorce and remarriage. – Charlyne
Wait for the Lord: he strong and take heart and wait for the Lord. ” Psalm 27:14
When our youngest grandson, Ryan, was three years old, he was my errand buddy. I knew that it was going to be a good day when Lori. our daughter called early in the morning and asked, “Dad do you want Ryan to go with you this morning?” While his mom was working at the ministry office, Ryan would run errands with me.
The Lord willing, during his childhood, Ryan will learn the ins and outs of marriage ministry. He already knows where the Post Office box is located and how we deliver big tubs of outgoing mail to their loading dock. Ryan knows where we take recordings to be mass duplicated, and he even knows where Grandpa likes to stop for a doughnut and coffee. In fact, he thinks and acts like many of us do when the Lord gives us instructions.
We went to the office supply store. Since the van is large, I park in a near-deserted side lot. After unbuckling Ryan from his car seat, he climbed out the door as I cautioned, “Ryan, wait for Grandpa’s hand.” Without batting an eye. Ryan began to cross the parking lot alone. Since there were no other cars, he was not in danger. “Ryan! Mind me, please! You cannot cross alone.” Ryan continued to walk ever so slowly. It was not that he wanted to walk by himself. He wanted to see who was in charge here. Ryan’s steps slowed down. I stood and watched to see how far he would go. Ryan cast a glance over his little shoulder, expecting me to be pursuing him. I was standing still. “Ryan. come here.” With that, Ryan turned and walked back to me. He extended his little hand upward and said words that melted my heart. “I’m sorry, Grandpa.” Hand in hand, he and I crossed the parking lot.
Upon exiting the store. Ryan stopped at the edge of the parking lot and again raised his hand for me. This time he showed me how he looks both ways for cars. This Grandpa was just a bit proud of what my grandson learned about obeying.
Would you believe I forgot to buy the one item we had gone shopping for? Two days later, Ryan and I were back in the same parking lot. Again, I cautioned him to wait for Grandpa. Once again, he started to walk alone, and I said nothing. After taking only about five steps, Ryan stopped, turned around, came back to my side, and again said, “I’m sorry, Grandpa.”
How often do you and I act to our Lord God exactly as Ryan acted to me? We know what we are about to do is wrong. We even hear the Holy Spirit softly saying, “Stop, don’t do that.” Nevertheless, we continue. knowing full well that we are being disobedient. Like Ryan, we are not moving fast enough to really go anywhere. Are we just testing God to see what He will do? Do we do better in the second test?
Would you be surprised to discover that many people who give up on God fully healing their marriage end up making a second trip through standing? The path to a fully restored marriage began the day your spouse moved home, and it takes time to grow as a couple and closer to God. Don’t be tempted to give up before seeing all the Lord will do in your restored marriage.
During February, this month of love, may you be cautious to always take hold of the hand of God when He extends it. May each of us always follow His will and His way and wait for Him in the healing process.
“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: all who follow his precepts have good understanding. To him belongs eternal praise.” Psalm 111:10
God bless,
