Learning of God's Abundant Mercy: Part 3

Once she was seated at her desk she opened her Bible again, but this time with more hope. "Lord, please show me what I need to know" she prayed silently.

Natalie read the paper she borrowed from her dad. She turned in her Bible to the reference Luke 15:11-24. She had heard and read the story of the lost son many times, but still she read it again not wanting to miss anything.

Underneath the reference were three points. The first one was, 'The State of a Hired Servant (vs. 17-19)' "And when he came to himself, he said, How many hired servants of my father's have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger! I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee and am no more worthy to be called thy son; make me as one of thy hired servants."

"I know I am not worthy to be His child," the girl thought. "So why would he take me back into His fellowship?"

She skipped to the next point. It read 'Going to the Father (vs. 20)'. Natalie realized she hadn't prayed about her problem. Maybe if she had went to Him first she would of already been forgiven. But instead she tried to figure out how to fix it herself. "How stubborn of me." Underneath the second point her dad had written the scripture I John 1:9. "If we confess our sins He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleans us from all unrighteousness." The word 'if' was written in big letters and underlined. "My sins will never be forgiven if I don't ask for forgiveness. But first I'll read the last point."

'Sins Forgiven and Fellowship Restored (vs. 20-24)' "The father is always ready to accept his son back into his arms. He waits and urges him to come back and when he does, his heart rejoices and He gladly restores fellowship." ~ Pastor Jones.

Natalie's heart sang with joy! That is what she had been waiting to hear. Her Savior still loves her and is willing to forgive her iniquities.

With a heart overflowing with repentance, she poured out her soul before God. When she had finished her prayer and wiped away her tears of sorrow, she felt such wonderful peace and happiness. "Oh what a wonderful God I have! Thank you Lord!"

Looking down at the paper that she was so thankful for, she noticed a scripture at the bottom of the page. "Who is a God like unto thee, that pardoneth iniquity, and passeth by the transgression of the remnant of his heritage? he retaineth not his anger for ever because he delighteth in mercy." Micah 7:18 A smile spread across her face as she repeated the last phrase, "he delighteth in mercy."

Natalie realized that no matter how awful her sins are, His mercy will always be sufficient enough to cover them.

To remember in future times, she took out a piece of paper and pen, and began to copy her fathers notes . . . and add a few thoughts of her own.

THE END