Find Family Balance with Us (15)

Coming Home: The Journey of Returning to God

Have you ever felt like you’ve wandered too far from God, like there’s no way back? Maybe you’ve made choices you regret or feel like you’ve drifted so far that returning seems impossible. But let me tell you something—you’re never too far for God’s love to reach you. He’s always waiting, arms open, ready to welcome you home.

Think about the story of the prodigal son in Luke 15. This young man took his inheritance early, wasted it all, and ended up broken and ashamed. When he finally decided to return home, he expected to be rejected. But what did his father do? He ran to his son, embraced him, and threw a feast to celebrate his return: “For this my son was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found” (Luke 15:24). That’s the heart of our Heavenly Father—full of mercy, overflowing with love, eager to restore us. Sometimes, life’s struggles humble us and remind us of how much we need God. But He doesn’t just point out our mistakes—He heals, restores, and draws us back to Him.

The choices we make in life reveal where our hearts are. When Abraham and Lot had to separate, Lot chose what looked good—the fertile land near Sodom—without seeking God’s guidance (Genesis 13:10). Abraham, on the other hand, waited for God’s direction, and because of his faith, God blessed him abundantly. We often chase things that seem appealing on the surface—success, wealth, comfort—but not all of it leads us to God. Zechariah 1:3 reminds us of God’s call: “Return to Me, says the Lord of hosts, and I will return to you.”

But returning to God isn’t just about avoiding bad choices—it’s about finding true fulfillment in Him. Many of us have felt lost, abandoned, or broken by life’s circumstances. Someone shared her story of growing up without a father, struggling with depression, and trying to fill the emptiness with temporary pleasures. However, everything changed when she encountered God’s love. She had been drowning in sorrow, feeling like no one cared, but when she stepped into a church community, she found brothers and sisters who embraced her with love and prayed for her in her darkest moments. Through prayer and seeking the Holy Spirit, she experienced peace that the world could never give.

God’s love changes us. He replaces our anger with peace, our sorrow with joy, and our wandering hearts with a desire to seek Him. Just like her, when we return to God, we are not only restored by Him, but we also find a spiritual family that supports us in our journey of faith. Hosea 6:1 resonated deeply: “Come, and let us return to the Lord; for He has torn, but He will heal us.” They experienced healing and transformation through the Holy Spirit. Romans 5:5 became real to them: “Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit.”

So, if you’re feeling lost, uncertain, or burdened by your past, know this: God is waiting for you. He hasn’t given up on you. Isaiah 41:10 gives us this promise: “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.”

We warmly invite you to our upcoming Spring 2025 Evangelical Service and Spiritual Convocation (ESSC). Come and experience the love and restoration of God. Bring your family, seek His presence, and let’s grow together in faith. It’s never too late to return home.

You can also join us for the Spring 2025 ESSC via online streaming.

Thursday, April 17, 2025 6:50 PM to 8:10 PM
Friday and Saturday, April 18-19, 2025 9:00 AM to 8:10 PM
Sunday, April 20, 2025 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM

Please find our church location below:

True Jesus Church
4N550 Church Road
Bensenville, IL 60106
 Google Maps

In the meantime, please feel free to join us for our regular Sabbath (Friday evening and Saturday) services online or in-person.

Friday Evening Service:  7:50PM – 9:00PM

Saturday Morning Service:  10:50AM – 12:00Noon

Saturday Afternoon Service:  1:30PM – 2:40PM

Email us at ilovejesus@tjc-chicago.org