Paul once wrote about a friend named Demas. First he called him a fellow-worker. Later he was just a name on a list. Near the end of Paul's life:
“Demas forsook me, having loved this present world.”
2 Timothy 4:10
There was no big fight. Just a friend who slowly wasn't there anymore.
If that's you with God right now, hear me. The door you walked out of is still open. Nobody changed the locks.
Come home. He's kept your seat.
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Maybe you know the exact Sunday you stepped back. Maybe you can't name it at all. Either way, the leaving was probably quiet. A week missed, then a few more. A prayer you stopped praying because it felt awkward to start again.
Coming back can feel harder than leaving did. You picture the questions, the look on someone's face, the explaining.
Walk in without a speech. He already knows what you'd say, and He's been watching the door.
Take one small step toward Him today. He'll be glad to see you.
The story behind it
Peter had promised he would never leave Jesus. That same night he stood by a fire, warming his hands, and told a servant girl he didn't know Him. Three times.
After the resurrection, Peter went back to fishing. Early one morning a man on the shore called out to the boat, and Peter knew who it was. He jumped into the water and swam.
When he reached the beach, a fire of coals was already burning, with fish laid on it and bread. Jesus had made breakfast. “Come and dine,” He said.
Then Jesus asked him three times if he loved Him, one question for every denial, and gave Peter his work back: “Feed my sheep.”
Peter didn't need a speech. He came to the fire, and the fire was ready for him.
Source: Peter's denial and restoration, John 18 and 21, KJV
Pray
Lord, I've been away longer than I meant to be. Thank You for leaving the door open. I'm coming home today, one step at a time. Amen.
Say it today
I am welcome. My seat is still here.
Come as you are.
We gather Sundays at 10 a.m. and Wednesdays at 7 p.m. in San Benito. Tell us you're coming and we'll send you everything you need.
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