Have you ever misplaced or lost something? Isn’t it frustrating? Do you sometimes spend a lot of time looking for the item? Do you pray to Jesus or ask St. Anthony to help you find it?
I experienced those things recently with of all things—my glasses. Five years ago my oldest son bought me not one, but two, of what I call the “grandma chains” that I used for a little while. Then I decided I was just not old enough to use them—so you can be assured I will not share this story with him.
My glasses are for distance so I have resisted getting bifocals yet. If I am doing closer work or reading I take my glasses off and wear them when driving or when I need to see further away.
I was sure they were somewhere in the house but after both my husband and I combed high and low throughout the house at least three times each, I wondered if they landed in the garbage. I kept praying but by the next day had resigned myself that I needed to get new glasses.
I went to walk on the treadmill so put on one of two pairs of sneakers that were next to it. At the same time, a friend texted to ask me to drive her somewhere. I responded, “Sure,” and for some odd reason I included a “Can you pray that I can find my glasses first?” She responded, “Oh, yes, I will pray about your glasses right now! Let me know when you find them,” to which I replied, “Thanks!”
As I turned on a light and walked toward the treadmill, I burst out laughing as I immediately saw my glasses on the carpet. I excitedly dialed the phone to share the amazing news that ‘just like that’ my glasses were found! She said that she had just finished praying out loud which is something she usually doesn’t do.
My friend said this God moment was a lesson for us both. It made her realize that God does care about even the little details of our lives, teaching her to ask for what she wants; something that is difficult for her. We were both in awe of how quickly God provided the positive result after we both prayed. What amazed me is that the sneakers that I put on were right next to the blue ones, which were right next to the glasses! How did I miss them completely? Maybe in my defense, the frames do blend in with the carpet. It made me see how I think sometimes God has a sense of humor and He is in every detail of our lives.
The Lord directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives. Though they stumble, they will never fall, for the Lord holds them by the hand. –Psalm 34:23-24 (NLT)
What a comfort it is to know that God works everything out for our good and that He, though a big God, delights in every detail of our lives. He is always with us, holding our hands through each step of our lives—even during the roughest of circumstances.
It also made me think about how God doesn’t want any of us to perish. When we lose sight of Him or before we come to accept Him in our lives, He is always searching and seeking ways to get our attention. Think of the anguish God must feel when we are lost and don’t believe in Him; certainly just a fraction of what I felt not being able to find my glasses for so long.
“For thus says the Lord God: Behold, I, I myself will search for my sheep and will seek them out. As a shepherd seeks out his flock when he is among his sheep that have been scattered, so will I seek out my sheep, and I will rescue them from all places where they have been scattered on a day of clouds and thick darkness. And I will bring them out from the peoples and gather them from the countries, and will bring them into their own land. And I will feed them on the mountains of Israel, by the ravines, and in all the inhabited places of the country. I will feed them with good pasture, and on the mountain heights of Israel shall be their grazing land. There they shall lie down in good grazing land, and on rich pasture they shall feed on the mountains of Israel. I myself will be the shepherd of my sheep, and I myself will make them lie down, declares the Lord God. I will seek the lost, and I will bring back the strayed, and I will bind up the injured, and I will strengthen the weak, and the fat and the strong I will destroy. I will feed them in justice.” –Ezekiel 34:11-16 (ESV)
Even when we might not recognize it, God is working and searching for us—calling our name and showering us with His presence. He uses all of His creation, even the birds of the air to the sunsets to engulf us in His beauty. He takes care of our needs always providing for us. He is the true shepherd wanting all to be with Him.
Photo courtesy of Andrew Hill under Creative Commons License (CC BY-ND 2.0)
Be encouraged this week to…
… share the smallest of details of your desires with God knowing He cares.
… thank God for the ways He answers your prayers.
… listen to the Good Shepherd calling your name as He leads you.
… bask in the presence of peace with God.
REFLECTION:
What small detail did God work out for you?
When did you hear the Shepherd leading you?
Jesus responded, “Salvation has come to this home today, for this man [Zacchaeus] has shown himself to be a true son of Abraham. For the Son of Man came to seek and save those who are lost.” –Luke 19:9-10 (NLT)
