by Tracie Miles
“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”. Luke 15:5-6 (HCSB)
“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”. Luke 15:5-6 (HCSB)
Devotion:
My family recently went on a vacation to the Caribbean. One beautiful day we ventured onto the white sands and crystal waters, prepared for a wonderful day of sun and fun. This beach offered lots of family activities including paddle boats, kayaks, snorkeling and a water trampoline. Two of my children were not interested in jumping on the water trampoline due to it’s’ long distance from the shore. However, my fearless ten year old daughter was pleading with me to allow her to play on it, assuring me it was perfectly safe. Against my better judgment, but being confident of her swimming abilities, I agreed. About fifteen minutes after she had swum off into the distance, I lost sight of her. I tried to distinguish her little head from all the other bobbing heads in the ocean, but they all looked the same so far away. Out of sheer panic I convinced my husband to swim out and look for her.
After what seemed like forever, he finally reached the trampoline. Although I could not see his face, I could see his body language change as he searched for her on, around, and even under this huge blown up water toy. He jumped off the trampoline and began swimming to another water activity even further into the ocean. He was yelling out her name. Total strangers joined in and began calling her name, as well. Meanwhile I was begging the beach guard to take the rescue boat out. He finally did, but could not locate her. Twenty more minutes passed. I was in a sheer state of panic and despair, tears streaming down my face, barely breathing, and repeating out loud, the words, “No! No! No!” My other two children clung to me, crying and worrying about their sister. My oldest daughter was blaming herself, regretting that she had not gone with her sister to play in the water. In my heart, I fought off the fear that my daughter had perished in the strong currents. I prayed and cried to God for his mercy on her, not to take her little life, but instead to save her. Rescue her. Bring her back to me safely.
Minutes later, as my heart was beating out of my chest, I saw them - my husband, and my little girl, swimming towards the shore. My legs felt weak and I dropped to my knees. I thanked God for this blessing and for His mercy on us. When they finally arrived to shore, I grabbed my precious daughter and held her tightly in my arms. Her confusion quickly turned to tears, because all the while, she had just been having fun and had no idea that we were fretting over where she was. She had been completely unaware that we were frantically searching for her.
Later, as I thought back on this scary ordeal, I thought about how God must ache for His lost children. He loves His children more than I can love my own, and scripture tells us He is yearning to rescue those who are lost (Psalm 50:14-15). Many people live day after day; completely unaware that God is searching for them and frantically calling their name. If you have never truly accepted Jesus as your Lord and Savior, dear friend, know that He is searching for YOU today, and He wants you to find Him. If you feel like you are drowning in the sea of life, take heart in the truth that Jesus is searching for you, anxiously waiting for the moment when your eyes will meet, and He can wrap His loving arms around you, and rescue you. He is patiently waiting for you to hear Him calling your name, so that He can rejoice in knowing that you have been found. God knows YOUR name… He is calling YOU… are you listening?
Dear Lord, search my heart, call my name, and help me to hear Your loving voice. I want to know You. I am in desperate need of rescue from the churning sea of life. Rescue me Father. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Disclaimer: Article taken from Proverbs 31 Ministries.
5 comments:
Jean this is simply so beautiful. Pouring out your words and your blessings for us to know.
This is why it is so hard for me to get to memes and stuff sometimes.
Because I am compelled to write or take pictures.
The Lord lives in my heart too. So I do know.
God bless you Jean this is going to be a wonderful place!
Big Hugs:-)
->shinade: oh, jackie dear! thank you so much for your comforting words! no one has ever compliment me here except for one of my blogger friend Abby.
When God touch yr live, it's hard to stop. You just wanna pour it all out! :)
oh jackie, i am so glad i can talk to you about God. He has blessed our friendship in a beautiful way! Don't you think so? :)
thanks, jackie. & May God Bless you too! :) Love & Hugs!!! *mmuuaaks*
Jean Chia,
As I was reading your story, I went through that same panic stricken state of mind and sighed such a big fat sigh of relief when your daughter was all along just having fun! Phew! you had me going there girl!!!I bet now you are most probably being overprotective!
->nazarina a: hello rina! oh no, this is not my story. It is an article taken from Proverbs 31 ministries.
I was feeling the same thing too when i read this article. It was such a great relief to hear that her daughter is all right! :)
Hi Jean,
I do agree with you.
Reading your story here and reflecting how God so loves us and don't want to miss anyone of us. He searchs through for his lost sheep, save us from falling.
Thanks.
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