This past weekend, our church family gathered for a message that felt less like a sermon and more like a divine wake-up call. Through raw honesty and the moving presence of the Holy Spirit, we were reminded that God is always near—ready to restore, ready to forgive, and always calling: “Return to Me.”
He’s Waiting—But Are We Willing?
The heart of the message came from the Scripture where God says, “Return to Me, and I will return to you” (Malachi 3:7). It’s not just a call to Israel—it’s a call to us. Our Father longs for intimacy, not routine. He desires hearts that are humble, sincere, and fully His.
Pastor shared how easy it is to drift—whether through disappointment, distractions, or even good intentions. But the Lord isn’t looking for perfection. He’s looking for obedience. For hearts that will say, “Here I am, Lord.”
Real Relationship, Not Religion
Sometimes we go through the motions—attending church, singing songs, saying prayers—but we’re not truly connected. “You can fake it with people,” we heard, “but you can’t fake it with God.” He sees the heart.
And yet, even when we wander, even when we fail, He remains faithful. The pastor shared personal stories of struggle, frustration, and correction from the Lord. But woven through it all was this unshakeable truth: God’s mercy and compassion never run out.
He doesn’t tally our failures—He waits for our return.
The Power of Words and the Need for Repentance
One of the strongest challenges came with a reminder of the power of our words. Scripture says life and death are in the power of the tongue. If we want to see breakthrough, we need to speak faith, not fear; truth, not doubt.
The message wasn’t just about sin—it was about recognizing how far we’ve drifted, and how gently but persistently God is calling us back. “We might say, ‘I’m good,’ but the Lord looks at the heart and asks, ‘Are you really close to Me?’”
God Never Fails—No “Yet” Needed
Perhaps one of the most powerful lines came as the pastor challenged the common phrase, “God has never failed me yet.” The truth? God has never failed—period. The word “yet” implies doubt. But there is no uncertainty in God’s faithfulness.
He is steadfast, immovable, and always reaching for His children.
A Family Brought Together by Purpose
There was also a touching moment of reunion with a former member who had returned after many years. It was a beautiful picture of God’s heart—drawing us back, restoring relationships, and building something lasting. “This is not a normal family,” we were reminded. “God is building something here.”
Practical Takeaways: How to Return
1. Start the day with intention – Declare each day: “Today will be the best day of my life.”
2. Be honest with God – He already knows your struggles. Come to Him with your whole heart.
3. Watch your words – Speak life, even when life feels hard.
4. Obey what you know – Don’t wait for understanding to obey. Obedience opens the door to clarity.
5. Read His Word daily – The Bible isn’t optional; it’s where we hear His voice and discover His will.
His Arms Are Always Open
God’s call to return isn’t rooted in condemnation—it’s birthed in love. Whether we’ve wandered a little or a lot, His desire is for restoration. As the message closed, we were reminded: “No matter how far you’ve drifted, the moment you ask for help, He throws you the rope.”
He is gracious. He is compassionate. He is slow to anger and rich in love. All He asks is: “Return to Me with all your heart.”