When the lost is found…

A few months ago I lost my internet connection. When I called my provider they said the situation needed a technician. But unfortunately a technician would not be available until the next day. Somewhat annoyed by the delay, I left home in a huff and ran out to run some errands. Somewhere between the fit I was having in my head and my hurrying about, I lost my IPad.

In a panic, I retraced my steps. I activated the Find My IPad app and I sent out a prayer request to anyone I thought would pray. Weeks passed and there was still no sign of my missing tablet. Not even a blip on the radar from IPad land. I released my desire for its return to the Lord. I knew He knew where it was and He knew if it should and would return to me.

Whether it is a set of keys or a sense of courage, what we lose can cause us to lose a sense of perspective.

— Joy A. Williams (@joytothesoul) October 7, 2014

After four months of silence, I received a voice mail. The caller said he had my IPad and he asked me to give him a call. During our conversation he said someone sold it to him and he was three states away! Imagine my amazement. Not only had my IPad resurfaced, it was in the hands of someone with a conscious – or so I thought.

Several more phone calls and a couple of text messages later, apparently he had a change of heart. But his heart didn’t turn in the return-the-IPad-to-me direction.

Is there something you’ve lost or misplaced? Whether it is a set of keys or a sense of courage, what we lose can cause us to lose a sense of perspective. Eventually, I stopped longing for the IPad’s return and I started remembering how God can do anything.

In Luke 15, Jesus told parables about the lost sheep, the lost coin, and the lost son. To find the lost sheep the shepherd searched. To find the lost coin a woman swept. And to find the lost son, it took the son coming to his senses. When each of them was found there was much rejoicing. But these happy endings are to point us to the value of a soul found repenting — followed by the joy in heaven erupting.

The soul is the priority in heaven and there is a unique priority placed on a soul that is lost. If there is something or someone you’re missing here’s some good news. The God who can do anything knows just where they are. He knows just where you are too. And when we know Christ, we can experience the grip of His grace on our lives.

Nothing and no one escapes the gaze of the Good Shepherd. As we abide in His Word our soul is swept free of the debris left by our losses. And having come to my senses, I can’t help but realize that the God who can do anything has done everything to make sure we are not lost for all eternity. Knowing that brings real joy to my soul.

In the same way, there is more joy in heaven over one lost sinner who repents and returns to God than over ninety-nine others who are righteous and haven’t strayed away! – Luke 15: 7 NLT

What have you found that’s giving you joy?

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