Hey, Buddy, Stay Right Where You Are!

Our grandson spent the night with us recently and chose to sleep in our bed. During the night, he awoke and became disoriented in the dark. He slid from the bedside before I could grab his hand, and he began to wander about crying in the dark. His little body crashed into the bedside and the nightstand as he tried to orient himself. As I rose from the bed I called out to him, "Hey, Buddy, stay right where you are. I'll come to you!" I made my way to him and cradled him in my arms to calm his crying and ease him back to sleep. 

Snuggling in beside him I pondered what had just taken place and felt the gentle nudge to reread Luke 15:3-7 which is a parable that Jesus shared with those gathered around him, "Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Doesn’t he leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it? And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders and goes home. Then he calls his friends and neighbors together and says, ‘Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep.’ I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent."

I sensed God's assurance that just as I had gone to find my lost grandson, He was working on rescuing the lost sheep I have been praying for over the last several years. Jesus, our Great Shepherd, is always searching for His lost sheep and is working to bring them safely into the fold. He is relentless in his pursuit! Though they bump into obstacle after obstacle, he will not give up in his efforts to get close enough to wrap them up in his big Daddy arms and gently draw them close enough to ease their pain and calm their spirits. 

So, who is your ONE? Who is your lost sheep? For whom are you praying? Though your lost sheep is not yet found, don't give up because Jesus will not give up either! As I continue praying I am also asking God to open the doors of heaven so I too can hear the rejoicing in heaven when my lost sheep is found! Oh, what a glorious day that will be!