When Wanderers Come Home
Scripture
Lamentations 3:40 (ESV) “Let us test and examine our ways, and return to the LORD!”
Devotion
The sermon spent time on wanderers—people like the Israelites in the wilderness, Samson in Delilah’s lap, and even Pastor Darren himself before he surrendered fully to God’s call.
The Israelites saw miracles yet wandered for 40 years because of low faith in a high-impact moment. Samson tasted God’s power many times but kept drifting back into Delilah’s arms until he lost his strength. Pastor Darren confessed he had been a “gypsy,” avoiding roots, commitment, and the full call of God—until God confronted him and he finally surrendered.
In each story, wandering wasn’t the end. There was a call to return. Samson, blind and bound, felt his hair and strength grow again and cried out, “Lord, one more time.” Pastor, miserable in his wandering, bowed at an altar and rose a different man, set on a path of seeking instead of drifting.
Maybe you didn’t even realize how far you’d wandered—spiritually numb, distant in prayer, disconnected in church, flirting with the world. But wandering doesn’t disqualify you. What matters is what you do now.
God’s invitation stands: Examine your ways. Return to the Lord.
Reflection
Prayer
Lord,
I acknowledge that I’ve wandered. In big ways or small, my heart has drifted. I don’t want to live as a spiritual gypsy any longer. I repent of the compromises and distractions I’ve embraced. Like Samson, I cry out: Lord, one more time—strengthen me, restore me, and use me for Your glory. I return to You today with all my heart.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Lamentations 3:40 (ESV) “Let us test and examine our ways, and return to the LORD!”
Devotion
The sermon spent time on wanderers—people like the Israelites in the wilderness, Samson in Delilah’s lap, and even Pastor Darren himself before he surrendered fully to God’s call.
The Israelites saw miracles yet wandered for 40 years because of low faith in a high-impact moment. Samson tasted God’s power many times but kept drifting back into Delilah’s arms until he lost his strength. Pastor Darren confessed he had been a “gypsy,” avoiding roots, commitment, and the full call of God—until God confronted him and he finally surrendered.
In each story, wandering wasn’t the end. There was a call to return. Samson, blind and bound, felt his hair and strength grow again and cried out, “Lord, one more time.” Pastor, miserable in his wandering, bowed at an altar and rose a different man, set on a path of seeking instead of drifting.
Maybe you didn’t even realize how far you’d wandered—spiritually numb, distant in prayer, disconnected in church, flirting with the world. But wandering doesn’t disqualify you. What matters is what you do now.
God’s invitation stands: Examine your ways. Return to the Lord.
Reflection
- In what ways have you been wandering—mentally, spiritually, morally, or relationally?
- What “Delilahs” (compromises, habits, relationships) keep pulling you away from full obedience?
- What would your “Lord, one more time” prayer sound like today?
Prayer
Lord,
I acknowledge that I’ve wandered. In big ways or small, my heart has drifted. I don’t want to live as a spiritual gypsy any longer. I repent of the compromises and distractions I’ve embraced. Like Samson, I cry out: Lord, one more time—strengthen me, restore me, and use me for Your glory. I return to You today with all my heart.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.