"The Road Trip with My Father"

Sermon Title:

"The Road Trip with My Father"

Text:

Psalm 23; Romans 8:14–17; Luke 15:11–24

Opening Statement:

A morning of worship, a lifetime of grace. Today, I want to invite you on a journey—not just any journey, but a road trip with your Father. Maybe it reminds you of your dad grabbing the keys, the snacks, the map—or just getting lost and refusing to ask for directions. But this road trip is more than that. It's a spiritual metaphor. Because life with God the Father is a road trip filled with detours, discoveries, and destinations that shape who we are.

I. The Father Plans the Trip (Psalm 23:1–3)

"The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures..."

Explanation

When you go on a road trip, someone’s got to plan it. Someone figures out the route, checks the weather, packs the bags. God the Father isn’t just along for the ride—He planned it before we were ever born.

Argumentation

Our lives aren’t random. Psalm 23 reminds us that God leads us on paths of righteousness—not paths of luck. The Father knows the destination and everything we need along the way. He’s not surprised by detours. He prepares rest stops, refreshment points, and sometimes even scenic overlooks we didn’t expect.

Application

Are you trying to drive without a map? Trust the Father who sees the road ahead. You don’t have to white-knuckle your way through life when God is in the driver’s seat.

Illustration

I remember a road trip with my own dad where we took the long way—on purpose. We detoured just to see a waterfall he remembered from his youth. At the time, I didn’t appreciate it. But now, I realize—he wasn’t just showing me a waterfall; he was sharing a memory. God leads us the long way sometimes to show us something beautiful.

II. The Father Is Present in Every Mile (Romans 8:14–17)

"For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God... and by him we cry, 'Abba, Father.'"

Explanation

One of the most comforting things about a road trip with your dad is knowing you’re not alone. When the tire goes flat or the car overheats—he’s there.

Argumentation

God doesn’t send us out on life’s journey and say “Good luck.” He walks with us. The Spirit of God assures us we are His children. He’s not a distant Father. He’s Abba—Dad. The One who listens when we cry out. The One who drives through storms to keep us safe.

Application

Have you ever felt like you’re traveling alone? Maybe your earthly father wasn’t present, or isn’t anymore. But your heavenly Father never leaves you. He’s in the passenger seat—or maybe He’s behind the wheel. Either way, you are never alone.

Illustration

I once asked my dad on a long road trip, “Are we almost there yet?” He smiled and said, “We’re closer than we were.” Sometimes that’s all we need from God—not a full GPS readout, just the assurance that He’s with us and we’re making progress.

III. The Father Welcomes You Home (Luke 15:20)

"But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him..."

Explanation

The prodigal son’s journey was its own road trip. He had to hit rock bottom before realizing he needed to go home. And when he did, his Father wasn’t waiting to scold him—he was waiting to celebrate him.

Argumentation

Some people believe they’ve taken too many wrong turns to come home to God. But the story of the prodigal son is the story of every believer: no matter how far you’ve driven in the wrong direction, the Father is waiting with open arms.

Application

Maybe you’ve been on the run. Maybe your road trip has gone off-course. It's never too late to turn around. Grace means you don’t have to clean yourself up before you get back—just come home.

Illustration

A father on a road trip won’t leave a child behind. Even if the kid gets out of the car and walks the other way, the good father goes after him. God did that in Jesus—He came after us, met us on the road, and walked us home.

Conclusion: The Journey Is the Relationship

A good road trip isn’t just about the destination. It’s about the conversations, the shared music, the laughs, the silence, the lessons, and yes—even the detours. Walking with the Father is the same way. You might not know all the turns. But you can know the One you’re traveling with.

Closing Challenge:

If you’ve never started this road trip with the Father—today’s the day to get in the car. If you’ve taken a wrong exit—today’s the day to turn around. And if you’re tired from the ride—rest in the assurance that the Father is with you for every mile.

Closing Prayer:

Father, thank You for being the God who travels with us. Thank You for planning our paths, for comforting us in the valleys, and for welcoming us home when we stray. Teach us to trust You more—not just for the destination, but for every step of the journey. In Jesus’ name, Amen.