Don't Give Up

This week as I told three parables about lost things (lost sheep, lost coin, and lost son), I was reminded that we have much to be thankful for.  We have a God who never gives up.

As those who have found Jesus- or better yet, been found by Him- we can be thankful that we are adopted sons and daughters in the family of our King.  All of us at some point or another were the one sheep that He went after.  We were all like a lost coin.  God did not give up the search.  Some of us may have been like the son who ran away, but then after turning to return home, found our Father ready to greet us with open arms. 
Luke 19:10- “The Son of Man came to look for the lost and save them.” (NIrV)

My own parable of sorts goes like this…
My sweet grandmother (who passed away a year ago at the age of 96) was my Spiritual mentor.  She loved Jesus like no one else I’ve ever known.  I watched and listened to her pray.  I learned from how she trusted God in the face of tragedy and great heartbreak.  As a little girl- probably without being aware of it- I wished and prayed to be like her one day. 

That same grandmother did something special for all seven of her grandchildren.  On each of our 5th birthdays, she would give us a Bible.  The Bibles were leather with gold edged pages, and our names embossed in gold lettering. Every one of us received one- all different colors to match our personalities. (Mine was red and it still resides safely in my nightstand)  With the gift of the Bible, she also gave all the girls a gold ring with our birthstone.  This was my first piece of real jewelry and I loved it.  I wore it every single day without fail.  The only time I took it off was at bath and bedtime.  This ring was cherished because of who gave it me, not because of any monetary value.

One day when I was around 10 years old, my mom told me to wash my hair.  It was long, it was curly, and it was dirty.  I decided to wash my hair in the sink instead of getting in the shower.  What I didn’t think to do was take off my beloved ring.  Two minutes into my wet and soapy hair, the ring slipped off and went down the drain. I immediately turned off the water, and started screaming. 

I was a dramatic child, so screaming was not unusual.  Even so, the screaming and crying was so intense my daddy came running to see if I had indeed cut off my arm.  Between the sobbing and the high pitched storytelling, I’m surprised my dad ever understood what I was saying to him. Once he did, he calmly told me to put a towel on my dripping hair and that he would take care of everything else.

My dad proceeded to take the drain, sink- and even part of the cabinet in the process- apart piece by piece.  He was not going to give up looking for my lost ring until he knew without a doubt that it was indeed lost forever.  He wouldn’t give up until all hope was lost. I truly believe if my dad could’ve hammered into concrete, he would have done it.  Eventually hope was lost and the ring was gone forever.

My dad did not stop looking for a ring until it was clear that all was lost- literally.  If my earthly father would do that, then how much more will our heavenly Father keep seeking what is lost?  God will not give up on even one sheep until it is clear that all is lost…forever.

If you have family members, friends, co-workers, other soccer parents, or the guy who runs the bar down the street that you’re praying for, keep on praying.  If there is someone you’re asking the Lord to keep pursuing, don’t give up. God doesn’t. 

This Week’s Announcements:
Mom/Son Game Night: Moms, this is your chance to let that hidden tom-boy come out - or at least show your competitive edge- as you enjoy a night of fun with your son.   Come join us for this year’s Mom/Son Game Night- Friday, March 20th, 6:30-8:30pm.  Registration is required for planning, and the cost is only $5 per family.  Moms of all ages, and boys aged 4years old-5th grade may attend.  Register by visiting www.signupgenius.com and searching under penny@stonebridgemarietta.org. 

What God is Teaching Us:
This section will have links to the previous Sunday’s lessons.  Feel free (I encourage it!) to open, read, and review with your children.  Click on the links below to view February lessons.
This link is no longer available

Amazing Things Kids Do and Say…
A picture and note from a child: Ur buttfull an i lov u. 
(Buttfull- is that like the song “All About the Bass?”) 
I’m hoping they meant beautiful instead!