“I know Ephraim, and Israel is not hidden from Me; For now, O Ephraim, you have played the harlot.” Hosea 4:3 

Idolatry is instinctive to our fallen natures. We fight a spiritual battle daily.  Even with the Holy Spirit inside, we are still bent to substitute our need for God for other people and other things.  They promise to satisfy for a while and we’re unaware that spiritual prostitution leads to a dead-end.  We will end up somewhere we didn’t want to go, though temptations promise otherwise.  

Have you ever ended up lost and far from home? God seemed so distant.  But our circuitous path was not hidden from God. Though we were off course and disoriented, He had memorized every turn on our wayward excursion. He remembered each fork in the road and which way we chose to go.  Though we ended up feeling like a rat in a maze that couldn’t find its way back, God knew the map.  He took us in reverse to each intersection in the road; allowing us to review our choices. Wisdom was birthed!  And, oh the joy we felt as the lights of home slowly came into view. 

Maybe you and God are estranged because you’ve excluded Him from your life.  You don’t think of moving toward Him because you fear you have strayed too far.  Remember, God’s arm is long and His mercy is deep. He’s calling you home and offering another chance.  It doesn’t matter how far from your roots you have traveled. The way back starts with humility. The author, Brennan Manning says, “I cannot receive what the crucified Rabbi has to give until I stretch out my arms till they ache.”  This is not the time for stoic, half hearted apologies.  This is the time to abandon reservations and cry out.  Going home is always a momentous, emotional event.

Though I often stop reaching for You, You never put Your arms down.  Oh how You love!  Amen