Although I’ve said “never say never!” about the snow that happened in Pensacola this week, I’d like to assure you that the content of this holy moment is not in fact about snow. It relates in the sense that when we say “never”, we are limiting our beliefs on what God can do. Otherwise, I have something else in store to share with you.
Last week on our drive to school, my daughter shared with me the details of a hard faith conversation she’d had. Someone close to her questioned her faith, mocking “why would you believe in God anyway?”
While I processed what to say, I led with a warning that this wouldn’t be the first time a person she loves would question her faith. Let me remind you too, people questioning our faith is going to be an obstacle some will continue to face. Especially if you are one that continues to pursue non believers and love others the Jesus way.
Questioning is how my faith journey started. I was so curious about why these friends of mine were so kind and happy. I’d go to youth group as a middle schooler and see people really getting into the worship or prayer. It honestly weirded me out that these people were closing their eyes and lifting their hands.
My curiosity took me the round about way all through my teen years and into early adulthood. It wasn’t until my early 20s before I’d finally start to understand that God had given me a purpose and also provided a way to achieve it.
As we continued to school, I assured her that the questioning was okay, though I was sorry it was delivered in a mocking way. I shared with her how I didn’t know God like she does when I was her age, and how precious of a gift it was that she had experienced Jesus so early on in her journey of faith.
We talked about how questions were good, and that she could have them too. God gave us our curious brains and he wants us to put our ability to ask to good use!
As we were nearing the school, she asked if she could play a worship song called Rescue by Lauren Daigle. The song played and we sang along. She quieted the song asking “Do you know what she means?” Wanting to hear her interpretation, I played along, asking her to tell me.
“She is talking about the story where Jesus is the Shepard and he goes out to find the one lost sheep to bring it back with the rest of the pack. Isn’t that cool how Jesus loves us so much that he would do something like that?”
Reeling in the emotion of seeing my daughter’s spiritual strength support her worldly doubts, I kissed her goodbye as she got out.
While reflecting on our conversation after drop off, I remembered clear instances where God had brought hope to the lost ones in my life. Things like;
My dad overcoming an opioid addiction.
My guard letting down to receive my own salvation.
Babies born healthy after 9 months of doubt.
Change of heart when someone thought things wouldn’t turn around.
Here is the parable she was talking about:
“If a man has a hundred sheep and one of them wanders away, what will he do?
Won’t he leave the ninety-nine others on the hills and go out to search for the one that is lost?
And if he finds it, I tell you the truth, he will rejoice over it more than the ninety-nine that didn’t wander away!
You may find that you are shepherding well. You may be strong in your faith and leading others without any doubts. I leave you with the wisdom to not become too proud. Hold steadfast to the grounding words of Jesus when your season as a Shepard runs out.
There will come a day when you are the lost sheep, fearful of where you have ended up and looking around for a way out. Rest assured that Jesus is nearer than you think. The Shepard notices when you have strayed away from the crowd.
Jesus cares so much about you that he is willing to find you. His devotion is not dedicated to the proud. He is an extension of His father is heaven, who is determined to free you of all pain and suffering from the inside out.
This love is healing, peace bearing, and life giving.
If you yourself are lost today, or struggling with someone in your life who seems that they have no interest in the importance of faith, I challenge you to pray. Pray this verse over your life or the life of the ones who need to be saved.
Offer your questions, doubts, and fears up to our listening God. He is looking out for you in your wandering and knows you are lost before you’ve realized the need to be found.
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, mind and strength. He is with you through all of your days. Your faith will become a fruitful foundation for the rest of your life when you see Jesus as the Shepard who has come to save.
Till next time dear reader, may the holy moments you experience this week be abundant in helping to build your faith!
Local Pulse Staff Writer & Holy Moments Columnist, Makenna Curtis
