Mine
I worked in elementary schools for many years, and have been a mom for 19. I have seen my fair share of lost and found items. Many times I found myself searching through the immeasurable pile hunting for the right color, the right size, and ultimately the defining mark. There in permanent marker, visible to any eye, is the sharpie identification. Written in ink are the words which tell us to whom that item belongs. It is clearly distinguishable and lasting. That jacket belongs to me.
Amidst other lost items and debris, surrounded by half-drank juice boxes, Tupperware of moldy half-eaten sandwiches, and missing single socks⸺ the jacket waited. Through the spring rains and heat of the day, it sat. Because of its worth, because it belonged (to my child) we went after it. We pursued it. We continued looking until we found it. We went to great lengths for an inanimate object.
What if that jacket was you? Don't you think that the one who created you, chose you, enjoys being with you, and sees value in your life would search through a pile of rubble for you? Wouldn’t he come looking for you in difficult situations and hard places? Wouldn't He search for you in a lost world where you are surrounded by emptiness, half-truths, and missing identities?
Yes! There is a God in Heaven, who sees you. He created you for a purpose. He placed his name upon you- legible as permanent ink. His choosing, done by an act of love, was more than just writing his name in sharpie. His love required his son (Jesus) to die on the cross to redeem your life. This act, done for you, gives you worth. When you believe this truth about Jesus and respond, you find belonging! If you cling to this truth, no matter the circumstances that surround your life, you will find peace and safety.
This God, who created all and sent Jesus to be Savior, is also a good Father who has spoken this to you:
“Do no fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name;
you are Mine! When you pass through the waters, I will be with you;
And through the rivers, they will not overwhelm you.
When you walk through fire, you will not be scorched,
nor will the flame burn you. For I am the Lord, your God,
the Holy one of Israel, your Savior...you are precious
and honored in my sight, and I love you.” (NIV, Isaiah 43:1-4).
You may feel overwhelmed or even forgotten. Do not fear. He will not leave you in the lost and found pile. No matter how many times you feel you have found your way back there. He has not forgotten you. Yes, there may be times of hardship. Yes, there may be moments of waiting, surrounded by a lost world. Do not fear. The Lord is coming for you. Your Savior knows you by name. You are his. Whether you have known his love for a long time or are just meeting it today, you are precious and loved by him. He is pursuing you, and when you look up and see him, you will be able to say, “He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand.” (NIV, Psalm 40:1-3).
