RESTORER OF DESTINIES

But the father said to his servants, ‘Bring out the best robe and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand, and sandals on his feet – Luke 15:22 (NKJV)

Our Heavenly Father is the Designer and Restorer of Destinies. The story in Luke 15 is an imperfect illustration of His Heart. After wasting all that he had inherited from his father, the Prodigal Son returned home, broken, broke, and humiliated. All he wanted was to eat at subsistence level and keep a job in the servants' quarters. But the moment he admitted the error of his way and confessed his sin, forgiveness flowed. Immediately, his father called for the best robe, the fattest cow, the newest shoes, and a ring of sonship, restoring him to his rightful place as a son in the family, as a legitimate member of the family. Alas, rather than the dejected being rejected, he was lovingly accepted. His destiny was mercifully restored.

Like the ‘prodigal son’ you might have wasted time, squandered opportunities, made a mess of life, and fallen so low in sin; yet our loving heavenly Father is willing to reach out and embrace you. Isaiah 59:1 says: “Behold, the Lord's hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; nor His ear heavy, that it cannot hear.” Even under the grave weight of the Mosaic law, God said, “If a man steals an ox or a sheep...he shall restore five oxen for an ox and four sheep for a sheep” (Exo.22:1). If God would do that for those who lived under the law, on the wrong side of the cross, how much more will He do for those He has redeemed? You and I can come to Him today with assurance and confidence, knowing He's the God of restoration.

“The thief comes not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly” (Jh.10:10). Whatever Satan, the thief, or your adversaries have stolen from you, God can restore. He may not give you exactly what you want, but He will give you what's best for you. And even when you fall under His corrective hand through disobedience, if you repent, He will restore you to a place of blessing.

The Father will celebrate your return: “If you return to the Almighty, you will be built up, you will put away iniquity far from your tabernacles” (Job 22:23). He’ll restore your robe of righteousness, your ring of sonship, and your sandal of dignity. You will not be found naked. You will not be left fatherless. Your feet will not be left vulnerable to the serpent’s bite. You will not be put to shame. There is yet hope for you. Never you give up!