“When he came to his senses, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have food to spare, and here I am starving to death! Luke 15:17 (NIV)
The story of the prodigal son is one that is well known and one we can draw various lessons from. The statement made in the verse of scripture above suggests that the son was beside himself or even insane and then came back to a sane state.
However, we know that nothing of that sort happened to him. Rather, in that moment when he engaged in critical thought, he was able to process the things he had done wrong, as well as the steps he needed to take to be free from the troubles he had gotten himself into.
Among so many other things we can learn from this verse, one that jumps out is the fact that we have in us all that is required to put our lives back on track where we may have missed it. When we engage in careful thought and analysis of the situations we face – the things happening to us etc. – a solution and the steps we need to regain our liberty will always come to mind.
Notice that the son did not engage in a blame game. There was no pretence and no pride about him. He took responsibility for his actions and acted accordingly to find a way out of his predicament. Sometimes, all we require to find our way out of a dire situation is careful analysis of it, sincerity and a readiness to take responsibility for our actions, and the humility to walk the path that will lead to our freedom.
Points to Ponder
Are there areas in your life where you need to ‘come to your senses’? Don’t pretend about them or pass the blame off on someone or something else. Rather, take responsibility for your life and do what is necessary to realign your steps.
Whatever you may need, embedded in the scriptures are life guidelines and solutions. As you think things through, search out what God says about your situation and be sure to let Him lead you.
Prayer
Dear Lord, thank you for Your Word. Today I take responsibility for every area of my life, as I ask for grace to apply the wisdom in Your Word for a change in all that concerns me. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Victory Verse
Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect. Romans 12:2 (NLT)
Today is a gift, don’t let it go to waste.