“For the Son of Man came to seek and to save what was lost.” Luke 19:10 (NIV)
We called Search & Rescue the other night. Our 17-year old son Jacob and his two friends weren’t back from hiking and it was already after dark. The threesome had set off at 5:30 a.m. to climb Mt. Douglas (11,300 ft.), one of the highest peaks in our area. How long should we wait before crying for help? We decided the onset of night was a good time. The folks at the sheriff’s office were very helpful and explained rescuers would be on alert and begin the search at 6 a.m., if the boys still had not returned.
I shared my TEA CUPP time with Jesus that night, since the next morning I would want to sleep. Over and over I prayed, “Please bring Jacob home.” At about 1:30 a.m., Jacob finally stumbled into our kitchen and grabbed a banana. They hadn’t packed enough food and he was famished. The adventure just took more time than they expected. The hikers were not lying at the bottom of a ravine as I imagined. The three young men achieved their goal of conquering Mt. Douglas. After a hot bath, our exhausted son tumbled into bed. And we said a prayer of thanksgiving to God.
We called to inform Search & Rescue that everyone was safe. We are thankful to know these good folks are out there, ready to help when we need them. It made me realize that God has us all on a Search & Rescue team. Jesus came to seek and save the lost, and we are to follow in His steps, telling others about Jesus. Even when someone sees the light of Jesus, we won’t call off the search. We will stand by them and be their friend and show them the way home.
There is more joy in heaven over one lost soul who has found his way, than the joy I had when our son and his friends returned the other night. God wants us to be part of that joy! We are called to be lights in this dark world to those who are lost and perishing. Who needs your help finding the way home to Jesus tonight?
In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:16 (NIV)
New International Version (NIV)
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Who are some lights for Jesus in your life? In my life there are so many, but today it is the volunteers and ministry team at Camp on the Boulder who have come to help us serve 325 campers arriving in just a few hours. I thank Jesus for these bright lights!!!
I’m so glad that they made it back safely too!
Oh what stories those guys have of this adventure…and how awesome it is to see God’s protection over them. Thanks for being a shining light for Jesus as you encourage us through your teacupp prayers!
Thanks, Natalie & Lydia!!!