From Lost To Found
By: Kristen L. McNulty
Reprint rights available on request. Email the author at kristenmcnulty@hotmail.com.
Have you ever found yourself standing in a place where you are far away from the life you once envisioned for yourself? Where the hope you once felt seems a distant memory, and the weight of your mistakes presses down upon you like a cloud and there is no end in sight? Perhaps you feel as though you've wandered too far, strayed too long, or sinned too greatly for God to welcome you back. If this is you, if you feel lost, separated from the love of your Heavenly Father, let me tell you: it is not too late. There is always a way back, no matter how far you've gone, because the arms of God are wide open, waiting for you to return.
Let me take you to a story Jesus told, a story of a son who thought he could find life on his own, without the care of his father. It's a story about a journey that begins in rebellion and ultimately leads to redemption.
Rebellion Leading To Redemption
In a far-off land, there was a young man who asked his father for his inheritance before the father had even died. In his heart, the son believed that freedom meant leaving behind the safety and care of his home. “Give me what's mine,” he demanded, as if he could somehow take control of his life by walking away from the love and guidance that had sheltered him.
The father gave his son what he asked for. And so, the young man set off for a distant country, eager to indulge in all the pleasures the world could offer. He lived recklessly, spending his wealth on wild living—chasing after fleeting pleasures and desires.
But soon, the money ran out. The once bright and carefree world he thought would satisfy him turned out to be dark and empty. A famine struck the land, and he found himself hungry, penniless, and alone. The son found work feeding pigs, which was a far cry from the abundance he had once enjoyed in his father's house. His soul was empty. His life was a mess. He had nothing left but shame and regret.
In that moment of brokenness, something shifted within him. He remembered the loving care of his father, the abundance of food, the warmth of home. And in his despair, he realized something fundamental: being in his father's house, even in only the role of a servant instead of a son, looked more appealing than where he had found himself.
So, he made the decision to return, to face his father and admit that he had sinned—against him and against heaven. He knew he didn't deserve restoration to his role as a son, but hoped his father would have enough compassion to give him the role of a servant. With a broken heart and a humbled spirit, the son set off on the long journey back.
But here's where the story takes a breathtaking turn: While the son was still a long way off, his father saw him coming. He didn't slam the door in his face or try to ghost him. Instead, full of compassion, leapt at the sight of his lost son returning. Without hesitation, the father ran to him, threw his arms around him, and kissed him. The son, overwhelmed, began to confess his sin, but the father, with a heart of love, grace, and forgiveness not only restored him to the role of a son, but commanded his servants to prepare a feast of in his honour, saying: "For this son of mine was dead and has now returned to life. He was lost, but now he is found."
This story wasn't just included in the Bible as a feel good story. No, Jesus told it to remind us of the love of our Father, God, who welcomes even the one who has sinned and squandered back into His loving arms. No matter how far you feel you have wandered, it is never too late to come back home! The love God has for you is relentless and unfailing. Just as the father in the parable eagerly awaited and embraced his son, God is waiting for you. His arms are open wide, ready to receive you, just as you are, with grace, forgiveness, and unconditional love.
Forgiveness Based On Him, Not Us
God's forgiveness is not based on your worthiness or your ability to make things right—it is based on His love and His grace alone. You don't have to clean yourself up first; you don't have to wait until you're perfect. You can come as you are, because in that very moment of turning toward Him, He is already there, ready to welcome you with open arms.
In 1 John 1:9 we are told: "But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness."
Then in Psalm 103:12 we are also taught: "He has removed our sins as far from us as the east is from the west."
God doesn't hold a grudge, no, He forgives and then He redeems and restores. Ephesians 1:7 "He is so rich in kindness and grace that he purchased our freedom with the blood of his Son and forgave our sins."
If you find yourself lost, far from the love of God, or feeling unworthy of His grace, know this: you are not too far gone. The Father is waiting for you. Just like the prodigal son, you can take that first step toward Him—repenting of your past, trusting in His forgiveness, and walking back into His embrace.
So, will you turn back to Him today? Will you let God take you from lost to found? Then call on His name wherever you are. It doesn't matter how far you've wandered away, let His love bring you back and free you from all the chains that once held you down. In Him there is forgiveness, freedom, and restoration.
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