“Return unto me, and I will return unto you, saith the LORD of hosts.”
Malachi 3:7
Have you ever felt like you’ve disappointed someone you love — so much that you didn’t even want to face them? That’s where Jace found himself one warm spring night.
He loved his dad. His dad had adopted him as a baby, raised him in a loving home, and poured his heart into him. But after a conversation that touched on some areas his dad was concerned about, Jace didn’t get angry — he just walked out. Not because he didn’t care, but because he felt he’d let his dad down.
So, instead of heading upstairs to his room, Jace wandered outside and sat under a tree in the woods behind the house. For over two hours, he stared toward the lit living room window. Inside, his dad was waiting — just like he always did — for Jace to come back in.
An Unexpected Meeting
As Jace sat in the dark, he noticed movement on a trail nearby. A man was walking toward him, limping slightly. That limp was unmistakable — it was his older brother Jordan, the one who had walked out three years earlier and never returned home.
Jordan explained that he often came back to the property. He never went inside, but he’d park by the creek, walk to that same tree, and just watch the house. Then he showed Jace his phone — full of unread texts from their dad, sent every night for three years: “I’m in the living room whenever you’re ready. Love you son.”
Jordan admitted he wanted to go back in but couldn’t bring himself to do it. “I’ve got to be looking better than this if I’m going to see him,” he said. But the truth was, both brothers felt the same way — unworthy to face their father.
The Father’s Heart
While they were talking, the living room light shifted. Their dad stood at the window, looking out into the night, Bible in hand, tears on his face. He couldn’t see them in the shadows, but it was clear he was scanning the yard, hoping to spot them.
That moment said it all — their dad wasn’t waiting to lecture them, punish them, or demand they “get their act together.” He was simply waiting for them to come home.
Finally, after some back-and-forth, they decided to go in together.
When their dad saw Jordan for the first time in three years, he didn’t scold or question him. He just wept and hugged both sons. Then, pointing to framed adoption certificates on the wall, he said, “I love you boys, more than you will ever know.”
That night, Jace realized something — the living room wasn’t special because of the furniture, the lighting, or the decor. It was special because his father was there. And his father loved him.
God’s Invitation to You
Jace and Jordan’s story paints a vivid picture of God’s heart toward you and me.
Just like their dad, God is a waiting Father. He isn’t sitting in heaven with arms crossed, waiting for us to clean up our lives before we can approach Him. Instead, He calls out:
“Return unto me, and I will return unto you”
Malachi 3:7
No matter how long you’ve stayed away or how far you’ve drifted, His love hasn’t changed. The cross proved that — “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8).
Maybe you’ve been avoiding Him because you feel unworthy. Maybe you’ve been telling yourself, “I’ll get things together, and then I’ll come back.” But the truth is, you’ll never “look good enough” on your own. God isn’t asking for your polished version — He wants you, right now.
Jesus told a story about a son who walked away from his father and wasted everything. But when he decided to return, the father ran to meet him, embraced him, and restored him. The lesson? God is not reluctant to receive you — He’s eager.
Don’t Stay in the Woods
Like Jace and Jordan, you can sit outside for hours, days, or even years — convincing yourself you can’t face Him yet. But the longer you wait, the more you miss out on the joy of being in His presence.
“Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you”
James 4:8
So stop hesitating. Don’t wait for the “perfect” time or a “better” version of yourself. Right now, God is calling, “I’m here whenever you’re ready. I love you, child.”
Your Father is waiting. The door is open. All that’s left is for you to come inside.
Judson Shoultz is youth pastor at Martinsville Baptist Tabernacle in Martinsville, IN, husband of Janna "Faith" Shoultz, father of Evan, and son-in-law of Jim and Rhonda Van Gelderen. He traveled several times on Minutemen teams. He has a passion for sanctification and revival theology.
Our words. AI polished. This article was adapted from the author's original content using AI. We’ve used technology to clarify and adapt the message—while keeping the heart and voice the same. All articles are proofread and edited by a human.
