I Don't Want Anyone Lost
What would you do if you had 100 sheep and one got lost?
Jesus tells a parable In Matthew 18:12-14 about a man who had 99 sheep safe in the fold, but one was missing.
Jesus poses the question, "Doesn't he leave the 99 and go after the one and when he finds it makes over it more than the others?"
Jesus says that the Father is just like that, and that it is not the Father's will "that one of these little ones be lost."
What's interesting about a lost sheep is that the sheep doesn't know it is lost.
Whether we know we are lost or not, Our Father in Heaven is out looking for us.
This idea of "being lost" can go in many directions...see if you can relate to any of them:
- "I feel that God is not there, and I'm out here all alone."
- "I know I've wondered from God, but I don't know how to find my way back."
- "I'm so awful. I'm not worthy of God's love."
- "I'm done. I'm tired of running this rat-race."
- "Am I really good enough to be loved by God?"
- "I've lost all hope."
- "I'm good. I can do this life on my own."
- "I'm not lost. I'm at church each week. I'm working hard for God. I wish others would work as hard as me."
Take some time today to let the words of Isaiah 40:28 (MSG) sink in to your soul.
It goes like this: "God doesn't come and go. God lasts. He's Creator of all you can see or imagine. He doesn't get tired out, doesn't pause to catch his breath. And he knows everything, inside and out. He energizes those who get tired, gives fresh strength to dropouts. For even young people tire and drop out, young folk in their prime stumble and fall. But those who wait upon God get fresh strength. They spread their wings and soar like eagles, They run and don't get tired, they walk and don't lag behind."
Is your heart breaking today for someone you know who has lost their way? Find comfort in knowing that God is out looking for your loved one, and that His whole plan is to find that one person...not just for you, but for Him.
And if you are feeling like a lost sheep yourself, find assurance that God is right beside you. He wants to give you comfort. He wants to give you strength.
He will not tire, slumber, nor sleep...He's on a mission to lead you home.
God wants everyone safe in His fold.
Everyone!
