Day 1 - A Ready Heart

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A Ready Heart - Lindsey Lautsbaugh

I have two sons. I clearly remember the day one went missing… no where to be found.

We were at an outdoor market and he was playing with some kids on a jungle gym. In an instant I went from relaxed and joyful to utter panic. Fear filled every cell of my body. I scanned the whole area, he could not be found.

Frantic, I enlisted strangers to assist, “I’m looking for my son, please help!”. I sprinted around the area, looking left and right, up and down. He was gone. My worst fear was happening. Five long minutes passed. It felt like a lifetime. For a third time, I scanned an adjacent parking lot. There sitting in the cab of a truck with the door hanging open was my son. He was laughing with a friend he had found from his preschool. His friend was sharing some of his candy.

Seeing him safe wasn’t enough: I broke into a sprint towards the truck. I had to have him in my arms.

I think about these five minutes a lot when I read the story of the prodigal son.

The story of the prodigal has added layers. A son who was not just lost but who had purposefully departed. He wanted to go out on his own. He wanted his fathers possessions but not his presence.

But he came back. And when he did, the Father ran.

It says in Luke 15, “But while the son was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion. He ran, threw his arms around his neck, and kissed him.”

Just one glimpse of his son on the horizon. He ran. He had to have his son in his very arms.

We have a Father who runs and He’s running to be with us.

Today, we begin a 21 Day Pursuit after the heart of God. Let us remember, the foundation of our pursuit of God is His pursuit of us. Let this ready your heart for the days ahead.

No matter how distant we feel. No matter what we’ve done. No matter the complacency or apathy we are in. No matter what questions or burdens you carry… God runs to you.

There is a pursuit and it is His pursuit of you.

Let the anticipation build. Let the celebration begin. We have a Father who runs.

Scripture Reading: Luke 15:11-32

Spiritual Practice

Take some time to sit in stillness. Visualize the scene of the father running to the son. Now imagine Him running to you. What does this do to your heart and soul? Pray this simple prayer, “Father, I need you. I want to be near you.”