What Does God Want From Me?

In the Bible, the 15^th chapter of Luke is known as the lost and found chapter, and it culminates in one of the most powerful stories of a father’s love. It’s the story of the prodigal son. 

The son demands his father’s inheritance even though his father is very much alive. The son then takes off and wastes all his new-found wealth on wild living until he inevitably runs out of money. He’s broke, hungry, and far from home. It is in this weakened state that he realizes that even his father’s servants were living better than he was. The son heads for home with the plan of begging his father’s forgiveness for not only squandering his inheritance, but for also bringing shame to the whole family through his actions. He will offer to be one of his Father’s servants, believing he is no longer worthy to be called a son. 

But much to the son’s surprise, his father doesn’t lecture or punish him. No, when the father sees his wearied and ashamed son he runs to welcome him and restore him to the family. The father throws a party because his son that was lost had now been found. 

As Jesus told this story He revealed the character and nature of God. That God is lovingly waiting for us to return home.

The son returned to his father with shame, regret, and disgrace, convinced that restoration would be hopeless. He carried nothing good in his hands as he turned down that road and walked towards his father. 

It’s easy to think that we can only give God the “good stuff” in our lives. We know that God wants our obedience and devotion. He wants us to put Him first in all we do, and to take care of the needs of others. God delights in our prayers, praise, and devotion. That’s easier to hand over to Him, but what we learn from this story in Luke is that God wants us to give him the “bad stuff” as well. He wants us to live a life of freedom.

And if you’re not free, start walking towards Him. Bring your pain, doubt, despair, fear, confusion, and failures. He wants it! 

He wants it all.

Because what He really wants is you! Every part of you. 

And as you give God everything, He heals and restores. He did this for the lost son, and He wants to do the same for you.