God Is Not Mad!

I got word of someone who is very dear to me the other night. The word was that they are doing very bad. Strung out on drugs and living in an abandoned garage. As I heard this heartbreaking news, all I could think of was the prodigal son living in the hog pen. I was reminded that the prodigal son came to himself and went home. I began to pray for my dear loved one, that he would come to himself and come home, back to Jesus who in no wise would cast him out, but welcome him with open arms.

Knowing this person as I do I began to think what he must be thinking at night when everything is quiet in that abandoned garage? Was he thinking that God is mad at him? Was he thinking that God could never forgive him for the mistake he made? Was he thinking that he is hopelessly addicted and that he can never be free? Having made such a mess of his life, how could he possibly return to the family home?

I wanted so desperately to reach out to him, to tell him that there is nothing he has done that changed God’s love for him. I wanted to tell him that he is not without hope. I wanted to tell him to rise up out this hog pen and go home.

Maybe you are in a similar situation. Maybe you are addicted to drugs, alcohol, involved in homosexuality, working as a prostitute. Maybe your life is in ruins because of bad decisions or a disastrous marriage. Maybe you are a prodigal son, a prodigal daughter.

Let me ask you a question. How long will you continue in the hog pen? What is it going to take for you to come home? No doctor, No counselor, no drug rehabilitation center, or any other human being can change you. You need to make decision! The choices are simple. Stay where you are and die or go home and live.

The prodigal son although deeply ashamed, decided to go home, to beg his father’s forgiveness. As he approached his home he was surprised to find his father running to greet him. There were no harsh criticisms. He did not ask for an explanation or demand an apology. He never said I told you so. He just put his arms around his son and with tears of joy said “my son has come home, let us celebrate his return. What a miracle this was.

Beloved Jesus told the story of the prodigal son so you will know this same miracle is waiting for you too. Jesus Christ is that miracle!

Before I became a Christian I used to see car tags that said, “Jesus is the Answer” and would wonder how could Jesus be the answer to all problems. I found out that Jesus is answer because He is the way to God.

Jesus Christ loves you as much as He loves me and every other person that has stepped out of the hog pen and come home . He doesn't play favorites, and He never turns anybody down who calls on Him for help. Jesus said: "Him who comes to me, I will not cast out" (John 6:37).

Jesus knows you. He sees you in that hog pen. He knows exactly where you are, what you are going through, and He cares about you. He wants you to come home.

Maybe in a time of desperation you called out to Jesus and got the impression He didn't hear you or maybe you thought that you were not good enough for Him to help you. I want to tell you that are good enough, He does want to help you. The trouble is, you didn't really want to change, you just wanted temporary relief. Think about it how many times have you found yourself in a situation and said “God if you get me out this I will never do so and so again”. When deep down inside you knew, you did not mean it. You just wanted to feel better, a temporary fix, a patch up.

Truth is God is not a temporary fix or patch-up God. He wants to make you over into a brand new person who is not a slave to sin. The Bible says, "If anyone gets into Jesus he becomes a brand new person inside. He is not the same anymore. A new life has begun!" (2 Corinthians 5:17 Living Bible).

Again, I ask how long will you continue in the hog pen? What is it going to take for you to come home? Do you want this miracle power in your life? Are you even curious enough to find out if it's really true and possible for you? Is your heart being stirred right now? Are you even considering what I am saying? That is the Holy Spirit tugging at your heart. Don’t resist. Don’t keep ignoring Christ. You do not have to continue living in misery and pain. Rise up, lay the shame, the stubbornness and the pride down, step out the hog pen and come home.

I don't care if you are the biggest crack addict or drug dealer the US, prostitute, child molester, homosexual, drunk, satan worshipper or whatever, you are loved by Jesus Christ. He doesn't call you unfit or unworthy, He calls you His friend.

You may think that you are powerless to resist, that you are never going to get out of the mess you are. No. That is not true it is a lie of Satan! No one is hooked by sin. No one is hopelessly addicted. The devil cannot hold you captive anymore because Jesus Christ died on the cross and destroyed the power of the devil. Jesus Christ made him weak and powerless. Either you recognize you are lost and want to come home or you want to stay lost. It is your choice.

If you make the decision to rise up and step out of the hog pen and come home the devil has no right to keep you there. If you make the decision to come home, you can experience the miracle of the prodigal son too.

How do you come home? Remember that Jesus died on the cross to set you free from Satan's power -- and then call out to Him to take over your life. He will do it! Come out from among those who keep you in hog pen, find good church, Christian friends, and start reading your Bible regularly.

Make the call:
Dear Jesus -- I need a miracle. I believe You can remake me into a new person.Forgive me of all my sins and set me free. I believe You are God's Son,that You have all power in heaven and earth, and You hear me praying. I give You my life right now, and I will take You at Your word -- and accept Your love and forgiveness. Amen!