Being lost is scary. Who doesn’t remember feeling alone, being disoriented, and finding yourself disconnected from what is secure and familiar?

I can still remember the first time I was lost. I let go of my dad’s hand in a busy mall. I had stopped at a kiosk just long enough to look at some toys. When I looked up again, I suddenly found myself alone. Little did I know, my father was close by. He knew exactly where I was even when I lost sight of where he was.

As I read the Gospels, I’m especially reminded of how much God loves those who are lost, the ones who have let go of their Father’s hand and wandered into unfamiliar territory, surrounded by real danger and unable to get back home.

In Luke 15, Jesus told three parables about being lost.

First it was a sheep.

Then a coin.

And finally a child.

I have always been struck by the effort involved in searching for those lost objects. The sheep didn’t find its way back, nor did the coin wander out from under a table or couch. In each of these parables, Jesus illustrated the heart of a Father who not only loves the lost but is also actively looks for them.

Recently I was talking to a mom whose son is spiritually lost. He was nineteen when he let go of his Father’s hand. She has not stopped praying for him, loving him, and still to this day, she’s anxiously waiting for him to come home.

The good news is that God is not done looking for, pursuing, loving, and seeking those who are lost. Maybe you have a son or daughter who has walked away from faith. They have made choices that have taken them farther from God. Your heart is heavy with the weight of watching someone you dearly love run from the greatest Love of all.

If that is you, don’t give up. Don’t despair. God the Father is not far from your son or daughter. These children may have lost sight of Him, but He has not lost sight of them. He not only loves; He also looks for those who are lost, welcoming back prodigals just as He welcomed us.

Father, thank You for Your faithful love. Thank You for pursuing me. You are a Father who is patient but also persistent. You love the lost, and I trust You. Help me to trust Your power and Your timing. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Many blessings,
Ruth

Keep track of your prayer requests and praises for your prodigal with The Better Mom Prayer Journal. Easy to follow and implement into your daily life, The Better Mom Prayer Journal offers a simple outline on each page for you to write out your prayers, make a list of requests and keep track of praises. Join moms all over the world as we pour out our hearts to our Father who loves us, cares for us, and has promised to provide for us.