Luke 15:32 – But we had to celebrate and be glad, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found. (NIV)

We have a lost and found in our church office. It's a box full of coffee mugs, glasses, umbrellas, books, and jackets. Every now and then, we place the box out in the welcome area to see if anyone claims the items. After a couple of Sundays, we empty the box and take the unclaimed items to the thrift store. Within a week, the empty lost and found box has a few items in it, and the cycle begins again. I guess that so long as the church is open, people will always be leaving things behind.

We also have lost and found people in the pews. At some point in their lives, they have lost themselves to poor choices and bad circumstances. Some of them have had addiction problems for years, while others are just going through some really tough times. In the midst of losing their way, they have been found again by Jesus. He patiently restores them to God's goodness and encourages our church members to embrace those who were once lost, but who are now back among us.

Getting lost is something that we can all relate to, because, at some crucial time in our lives, something unexpected, crazy, or painful happens to us that leads us away from God. The good news is that we don't have to remain lost, because Christ is in the seeking business for lost souls. If we let Him, He will find us. If we pray to Him, He will restore us.

Perhaps you are feeling lost and isolated, alone and vulnerable today. It may be that your life isn't following the plan that you had or that your expectations, hopes, and dreams have been recently dashed. In the midst of all that troubles you, please know this: Christ is seeking to help you, embrace you, encourage you, and restore you to God's love, favour, and kingdom. You are not alone; you have not been abandoned by God.

Questions for personal reflection:

Am I currently experiencing something that makes me feel isolated from God? Am I willing to turn to Jesus and ask Him for help?

Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are aware of everything that is presently happening in our lives. You know our trials and tribulations, our issues and problems. In the midst of all that disturbs us and makes us feel lost, please come and find us, seek and comfort us, help and guide us. In Your holy name, we pray. Amen.

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About the author:

John Stuart <traqair@aol.com>
Knoxville, Tennessee, USA
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