Running to God - Martin Wiles

And while he was still a long way off, his father saw him coming. Filled with love and compassion, he ran to his son, embraced him, and kissed him. Luke 15:20 NLT

Santa wasn’t ready for this impromptu meeting.

Christmas was just around the corner, and my wife planned our annual outing with my daughter and her two young boys. This year, a zoo not far from us had reopened and was putting on a light exhibit, complete with animals.

We rode by thousands of light exhibits on our way to the deer enchanted forest. Cars mulled about in no certain order, easing over to waiting deer, zebras, cows, and ostriches. Our grandsons beamed as they stuck their hands out the windows and fed the waiting animals.

Leaving there, we entered Santa’s Land. More animals awaited food, but the boys wanted to see Santa. Making our way to his house, we passed makeshift restrooms, and who should we see exiting one but ole Saint Nick himself. Our youngest grandson yelled, “Santa,” tore loose from us, and ran to Santa’s arms. What could Santa do but scoop him up?

Not wanting to take advantage of a free photo op, we went to Santa’s house and paid for their picture with him as we were supposed to do.

I thought of the prodigal son when I witnessed Santa reach down and pick up my grandson. Smiles dotted both faces as if two friends were meeting after a long absence. Just as the father embraced the son who had left and squandered all his father’s inheritance on wild living.

God desires for us to run to Him as the father did to the prodigal son—and as my grandson did to Santa. Nothing pleases Him more than an intimate relationship with His children—but some things will keep us apart against His wishes.

Making sure we daily confess our sins keeps our relationship with God healthy. Although He forgives all our sins when we trust Him as Savior, He wants us to recognize we still fall short of His perfection. Confession recognizes this.

Misplaced priorities also keep us from enjoying the fullness of our relationship with Christ. We make choices that interfere with our time with God. 

Unhealthy relationships will do the same. We’ll find ourselves either pulled away from God by those who don’t share our passion for Him or we’ll give too much time to that relationship and not the one we have with God.

God wants you in His arms continuously. Don’t let anyone or anything keep you from Him.

Tweetable: Are you running to or from God?

Prayer: Father, we cherish our relationship with You and want always to find ourselves in Your arms. 

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