On the wall in the farmhouse where my father grew up, there was a gun rack that held a number of rifles and shotguns. They mesmerized me but, of course, I wasn't allowed touch them—even though they weren't loaded.

Sometimes one of the men would take a gun out, load it, and do target practice. I loved being there to watch them shoot at tin cans. The gun would roar, an orange flame would appear, and sometimes a smoke ring would be seen at the end of the barrel. Then the target would disintegrate as the bullet hit it.

One day I asked my father if I could fire his Piper 10 gauge double barrel shotgun. I loved it and wanted to try it out. I was about 10-11 years old at the time. My father wisely denied me the pleasure.

If I had fired it, I would likely have dislocated (or else broken) my shoulder. It fired with a tremendous kick and my dad knew a boy was no match for that weapon.

It's a blessing to have a father who treats us with regard to our limitations and weakness. I had such an earthly father for over 40 years and still have a heavenly Father Who is mindful of my frailty. This is just what today's verse is getting at.

Perhaps you've realized that your pledge of allegiance to Jesus was broken when you didn't speak for Him at an opportune time. Perhaps that habit you forsook to follow Him came back with a vengeance. You may have found yourself in a place you used to frequent before you met Him.

However you stumble in life, remember that this Jesus knows all about your limitations, and He takes them into account in dealing with you.

No child of God needs to fear returning to the Lord if they've wandered away. Jesus makes the way back into the presence of our heavenly Father an easy road to travel.

I encourage anyone who reads this message to keep in mind that your Creator is very mindful of your limitations and will not put obstacles in your path as you return to Him.

If you've wandered off, don't worry, the good Shepherd will come after you. You're never left to your own resources as you seek to return to your God.

Consider His gentle manner with the lowly and take heart. He's coming to you. Run and meet Him.

“So he got up and went to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him.” Luke 15:20

From your place of sorrow, run to Him and find joy in His presence today.