Man-made Solutions

So he went and hired himself out to one of the citizens of that country, and he sent him into his fields to feed swine. And he would have gladly filled his stomach with the pods that the swine were eating, and no one was giving anything to him. Luke 15:15-16 | NASB

His inheritance had been used up. Still too proud to admit his foolishness, the lost son hires himself out to a farmer in the land he lives. He discovers his solution doesn't work when no one will give him anything to eat.

How often do we try to come up with our own answers to the messes we get ourselves in?  Why do we have to take so long to turn to the Father for help? He waits with open arms for us to turn to Him.

Receiving Back Challenge

The story of the Prodigal Son is filled with amazing life lessons regarding trust. One is ... Trust forgives the wrong decisions of others and receives them back.  Trust restores.  (Luke 15:21)

The father freely gave the younger son his portion of his inheritance and watched him leave. When he returned, the father celebrated his return. It's difficult to watch someone leave and make a mess of their lives, but how well do we leave the door open for them to return?

A Challenge from the Word

And He said, “A man had two sons. The younger of them said to his father, ‘Father, give me the share of the estate that falls to me.’ So he divided his wealth between them.  Luke 15:11-12 | NASB

One outwardly demanded, but the father divides and gives each of them their portion. The younger takes off and squanders his portion on loose living, but the truth is, both sons need an attitude adjustment. The older son doesn't reveal his toxic character trait until his brother returns. 

Challenge:  Which son might we be like?  Is there some attitude we need to honestly address with our Heavenly Father?