“And when he (the Shepherd) has found it (lost sheep), he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing. And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and his neighbors, saying to them, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep that was lost.” Luke 15:5-6 (ESV)
Nothing weighs our spirit down like the wandering of ones we love. If you’ve ever been there then you know the agony of wanting something so desperately. Perhaps you’ve been like me and flooded heaven’s gates with tear drenched prayers. Maybe you’ve watched two steps forward and three back so many times, you just simply can’t endure it anymore.
Being brutally honest here but in our humanness (flesh), we struggle to maintain hope. When no evidence convinces us of one’s movement toward God, we often retreat. Losing ground, we tend to allow our feelings to override our faith. Judging takes center stage. Criticism flows effortlessly. Woundedness births bitterness. And before we know it, giving up and casting away seems more pleasant than pressing through.
Sweet friends that’s the exact place Satan wants us to linger. Zeroed in our idea of the results rather than trusting God. While we may be convinced God is not working or doing anything to draw our loved one back, His silence can’t be attributed to inactivity. God’s character is unchangeable. Throughout scripture, we read story after story of those who experienced the long suffering, patient redemption of our God. As long as breath is flowing through their lungs, hope remains.
Love the way our God never gives up or casts away. He sees the one who thinks they are invisible. He knows the one who is struggling and caught up in the lure of sin. He passionately pursues the one who has wandered away (Luke 15:4). God will never force or demand, but rather draws His lost sheep back home. Welcoming with open arms, full of compassion and rejoicing.
So while we wait, dear one, we hold tight not to what we see but Who we believe. Keeping our eyes firmly fixed on our God. Convinced of His deep love for those we love. Motivated by His compassion to not loose heart, we persevere through and allow His Holy Spirit to control our runaway emotions. Seeking God’s timing and not our own. Leaning into His word. Praying unceasingly. Suiting up for battle determined to extinguish the fiery darts of Satan (Ephesians 6:10-18) aimed at those we love.
Wow leaves me breathless! God hears our prayers. He still moves stones. Nothing is impossible for Him. We can trust the Good Shepherd with those we love.
“Praising You Father for your lavish, deep love. Grateful for your passionate pursuit of even one who has wandered away.”
For His Glory
Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life
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