Prodigal Son in Missoula Montana

Hi, my name is Josh Yakos.  I’m the lead Pastor at Clark Fork City Church in Missoula Montana.  

Missoula, found in western Montana, is known for outdoor activities and the University of Montana Grizzlies. Missoula was also made popular by Norman Maclean's book "A River Runs Through It”. Norman was a Presbyterian minister and author who moved to Missoula in 1909.  

The novel, based in Missoula, is presented from the point of view of older brother Norman who goes on one last fishing trip with his rowdy and troubled younger brother Paul in an attempt to help him get his life on track.

Looking back my life was more representative of a Paul than a Norman.  

Norman, the safe and calculating brother, is a polar opposite of his careless and rowdy brother Paul.  I was never the safe kid.  I always was hurt, wearing a cast, pushing the limits and trying what needed to be tried.  When I landed in Missoula in 1996; I felt as if I had spent the previous 6 years without direction, going any way the wind would blow. I heard a related quote by Seneca recently that summed up those days of my life: "If a man does not know what port he is steering, no wind is favorable to him."  

The most famous story of all time is found in Luke chapter 15:11-31 and is called "The story of the Prodigal Son." Everyone has heard this story or would know the gist of the text.  One son leaves home to squander his inheritancee, while the older son stays home and is faithful to work for the Father.  When the younger son returns home, he is welcomed with grace and mercy and the older brother is angry as he feels he stayed home and did what was asked of him. (Highly recommend Tim Keller's Book "Prodigal God").  


Have you ever felt like you wandered in your life?  The Bible says in Isaiah 53:6, “All of us like sheep have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way; But the LORD has caused the iniquity of us all To fall on Him.”  

If you spend more time lost than found, it’s time for a change.

I’m fascinated and encouraged in hearing people's journeys and stories and very grateful mine lead me here to what I would consider my hometown, Missoula. I wrote this blog with the "Paul's" in mind.  It’s easy to relate to someones story when you have been down similar paths.  If you have lost your way or turned to your own way, I want to let you know that there’s a future and a hope for you. 

I know it wasn't the city that did it, although I’m grateful God brought me to this place and my life seemed to turn around.  It was more of who I met here and I think of how in the Bible it talks about the River of God, bringing healing to the nations.  I met the God of the City, and His river has been running in my life, healing what needs to be healed, forgiving what needs to be forgiven, washing away what needs to be made clean and sending me on a whole new journey in life.  There have been rapids and there have been times of calm, but I’m a blessed man today.  I would also say there were some great "Normans" who went out of their way to impact my life.

If you spend a majority of your time apart and lonely, it’s time to connect.

Do you relate to Paul in the story?  Are you like the younger brother from Luke 15 and feel like days, months or years have slipped by and you are left with nothing but an empty feeling in your stomach?  The fact that you have air in your lungs and breath in your mouth means you have purpose.  A proverb that has grounded me is found in Proverbs 3:5-6, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths."

If your memories are bigger than your dreams, it’s time to wake up.
JY

Easter weekend is quickly approaching and I want to encourage you to find a church family?  If you are from Missoula and need to engage with God again, visit us at 9 or 11 AM this coming Sunday morning for Easter Celebration.  If you live in another town and don't know where to look, message me and I’ll try to help.
Visit www.clarkforkcitychurch.com for more info