Turning Back to Him

In Christ we have redemption by his Blood, the forgiveness of transgressions, in accord with the riches of his grace that he lavished upon us. // Ephesians 1:7

It had been a long, noisy week. Our family of nine had been crammed into an 1100-square-foot apartment during a big time of transition, and I had spent days trying to remain calm while soothing bruised emotions, breaking up fights, and cooking in a too-small kitchen.

I decided to go to church for a little breather. The smell of incense, the cool pew, and the quiet rhythm of liturgy began to restore my heart, mind, and soul to order. I stayed for Adoration afterward, feeling my deep need for silence and communion with Jesus. After journaling for a while, pouring out my heart to Him, I turned to listen. I felt Him say, firmly but gently, My daughter, when will you obey?

No, Jesus, I said. Let’s talk about something else. That persistent, habitual sin that I’m just not ready to let go of yet? I’d rather not discuss it.

But He wouldn’t leave me alone. I heard my own voice—spoken daily to my children—echoing in my head: Delayed obedience is disobedience.

I went to Confession that day. It wasn’t the last time I confessed that particular sin, but in that moment, I surrendered. The Christian life is a series of conversions, some large, some small. It is a calling, every day, to allow ourselves to be changed by encounter with the One Who made us, Jesus Christ Himself. Each time we turn, we become more like Him.

Where is our loving Father calling you to return to Him today? Remember that He is waiting, watching for you to return. He will run to meet you as soon as He sees you coming.