The Prodigal Daughter

Are you a prodigal daughter? Do you feel far from God and desperately long to feel his presence? If past mistakes, shame, guilt, love of sin, or fear keep you distant from him, it's time to return to your loving Heavenly Father. He is patiently waiting for you with open arms.

One night in March 2024, I encountered Jesus Christ. On that day, I was battling depression, a struggle I had faced on and off for years. Even though my life was going fairly well, I felt a dark cloud hovering over me. I lacked peace in my soul and was so deep in the pit that I knew only God could save me. In desperation, I cried out to Jesus. 

Shortly after, something miraculous happened. Although I didn't see Jesus physically and can't describe his appearance, I felt his presence. He wrapped me in his loving arms, and for the first time, I experienced the peace that surpasses all understanding. It felt like a warm embrace from a loving father who was overjoyed that his daughter, who had gone astray, was finally back home.

MY TESTIMONY

Around 2007, I was introduced to new age teachings after watching the documentary "The Secret." At the time, I was excited to learn that I could manifest anything my heart desired. In "The Secret," I discovered the Law of Attraction, which is the belief that like energy attracts like energy. In other words, if you think and feel positively, you will attract positive experiences, and vice versa. I believe that focusing on the positive rather than dwelling on the negative is beneficial and often a sign of a healthy mindset.

However, the problem with the Law of Attraction is that, on the surface, it appears harmless and is often viewed as a helpful practice for cultivating a positive mindset. In reality, it is much deeper and potentially troubling because it positions us as if we are in control of our reality. I do believe that we have control over our thoughts, feelings, and actions, but not over our reality. We cannot change the past; what is done is done, and we have very little control over what happens in our future. No one knows when they will take their last breath. Therefore, believing that we can control our reality may be considered a form of cosmic treason—a sin against a perfect and sovereign God. Attempting to manifest outcomes outside of God's will is akin to witchcraft, as it seeks to bypass God and access His power. In essence, we can find ourselves trying to enter through the back door to fulfill our desires instead of approaching God directly.

After learning about the Law of Attraction and its perceived power, I began practicing witchcraft unknowingly. This led me further down a path of destruction through seeking to control my life using astrology, numerology, tarot, and any other metaphysical practices I could find. Engaging in these activities fostered pride in me and provided an excuse for my poor behaviors. As stated in James 4:6, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble,” and Proverbs 16:18 reminds us that “Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.” Given these warnings, it is no surprise that I eventually found myself in a deep state of depression after years of living in rebellion.

I want to clarify that I am not suggesting that mental health issues are a result of sin—this is certainly not the case. I am simply sharing my belief that my sinful nature played a major role in my mental health issues. I'm an advocate for seeking professional help. I'm not a therapist but definitely believe therapy is beneficial when coupled with biblical principles. 

LOOKING BACK

I grew up in the church, but my desire for knowledge, combined with my rebellious spirit, led me away from it. I began searching for love, peace, joy, and truth in all the wrong places because I didn't truly know Jesus. I had only encountered Him through the perspectives of others—pastors, family, friends, and society—resulting in a very distorted view of God. I saw Him as contradictory: on one hand, a cosmic dictator with rules that were impossible to follow, and on the other, a genie who would grant wishes to those who called on His name. Consequently, I often felt disappointed because many of my prayers seemed to go unanswered.

Having grown up without a father present, and with a mother who struggled with her own mental health issues, I often felt isolated, especially since my younger brother was taken into custody by his father at a young age. Out of respect for their privacy, I won’t go into details, but I carry my fair share of trauma, which caused my heart to grow distant from God. I longed for the freedom to live life as I wished, not realizing that the freedom I sought often led me into bondage and left me spiritually bankrupt.

The night I called on Jesus, I knew I needed a Savior. For the first time, I could see the truth of who I had been. My life flashed before my eyes, revealing how I had lived in sin, the people I had hurt, and how prideful I had become. I was grieved that I had sinned against a Holy God and realized I owed a debt I could never repay.

As I cried out to Jesus, I immediately felt wrapped in His loving arms.

THE PARABLE OF THE PRODIGAL SON (Luke 15:11-32)

In the Gospel of Luke, Jesus tells the parable of the prodigal son, which is a powerful story of redemption. The parable introduces a father and his two sons. The younger son asks his father for his inheritance early. He then spends his fortune extravagantly on foolish things. Eventually, he finds himself with nothing left and ends up working as a pig farmer, to the point of eating the slop meant for the pigs. Realizing that his father’s servants live better than he does, he decides to return home, hoping his father will hire him as a servant.

In Luke 15:20-23 (KJV), it says: “And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him. And the son said unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in thy sight, and am no more worthy to be called thy son. But the father said to his servants, Bring forth the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet: And bring hither the fatted calf, and kill it; and let us eat, and be merry.”

This parable illustrates God’s unconditional love and forgiveness for those who have gone astray. It reveals how He desires for us to repent and return to Him.

Let me ask you again. Are you a prodigal daughter?

Romans 8:1 (KJV) states, “There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.”

Additionally, Romans 3:23 says, “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.”

You are not alone; we all have sinned and are in need of a Savior. Glory be to God that He gave us His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ, and whoever believes in Him shall be saved. 

So, my sister, you can let go of the shame, guilt, fear, or anything else that is holding you back from seeking His face. Run towards the Father, for He is already running towards you.

MY PRAYER FOR YOU

Heavenly Father, I thank You for the person reading this. You know what weighs heavily on their heart and mind. I pray that You wrap them in Your loving arms, comfort them, and grant them the peace that surpasses all understanding. As it is said in Isaiah 59:1, Your hand is not shortened that it cannot save, nor is Your ear heavy that it cannot hear. Therefore, I pray, Father God, that You hear their cries, help them draw near to You, and embrace Your love. In Jesus' name, Amen.