One night this past week, I was listening to some media through my headphones and while going through some chores and taking care of kids, I set them down somewhere and went back to find them later, and couldn’t. As with most times I misplace something, I retraced my steps and look in the most likely places, and when I couldn’t find it there, I go over the other places I had been in the past hour or so and look in less obvious places. At some point I start to question if someone else may have picked up or moved the lost item, take a break and look again later. After about an hour of on and off looking and questioning my sanity, I go to pick up a shirt to put away that was lying on the table and it was under there, almost in plain sight. This isn’t the first time I have misplaced something I just had in my hands, but each time it can be frustrating, like when I need to leave and the keys to my vehicle have suddenly vanished. What is your reacting when things suddenly ‘disappear’?
Or what woman, having ten silver coins, if she loses one coin, does not light a lamp and sweep the house and seek diligently until she finds it? And when she has found it, she calls together her friends and neighbors, saying, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found the coin that I had lost.’ Just so, I tell you, there is joy before the angels of God over one sinner who repents. Luke 15:8-10
There have been times over the years where I had looked for something (e.g. a paper I needed for filing taxes) that was not in the intended location and after my own efforts have been exhausted, I turn to God and ask for some help. When I get to that point, I am often humbled and honestly, my prayers are often answered, and not always in ways I expect, but they are answered. It makes me question not only my organizational skills, but also why I don’t turn to God for guidance sooner. Most of us don’t like to ask for help until we are in a more desperate situation and we reach the end of what we can do. That makes sense, as if we jumped to asking for help every time we hit a road bump, we might seem like a child. But when we do need help, it often brings up gratitude in my heart when God or someone is there to get me through my difficulties.
For nothing is hidden that will not be made manifest, nor is anything secret that will not be known and come to light. Luke 8:17
We don’t often ask people to tell us about our shortcomings, but if there is someone you trust, they may be willing to help you see what may not be so obvious in your own life. Pray to God when you need to have this made known as well. You may not like the answers, but you may be better for knowing what you did not know before.
If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:8-9
Yours in Christ,
Clark
