Saturday April 6

Matthew 18:10-14

Kate Maahs

What do you think? If a shepherd has a hundred sheep, and one of them has gone astray, does he not leave the ninety-nine on the mountains and go in search of the one that went astray?

I tend to isolate and exclude myself from others. Everytime I get stressed I go through the same thing again and again. The negative loop of taking myself and away saying “no one is there to help me,” begins to play in my mind. But when I read Matthew 18: 10-14 I hear God saying that he hasn't forgotten me and that he is sending someone for me, that I will become a found sheep once again.

God works through all of us, and he doesn't do it alone, he sends us out to help one another. As a community he tells us it’s our duty as Christians to help the ones who feel lost and confused, to remember we have the power to help someone. We are not lost forever and eventually when we need help, it will be there.

Knowing that God is there for you is really important thing to understand, especially for me right now, knowing that God will not give up and he will find a way to help is very reassuring. As followers of God it is our job to reach out to a support anyone and everyone in need. This doesn’t just mean writing a check or bringing a can for a donation drive, but also taking time to just listen to a friend who needs to talk.

God is amazing in his ability to work through us as Christians, we have the ability to reach out to all people and make a significant difference in other people's lives, and this is how we grow our faith. When we are lost in faith and in ourselves, prayer and a strong community are the most important things to help us find our strength again. The world can be a cold and bitter place, but it is our duty to pull our brothers and sisters out of that darkness and expose the true light of God and the true beauty of the world he has created for us.

Questions for reflection:

• After reading this are you in the place of the shepherd, who needs to reach out to someone lost, or the sheep who got away and needs help? And what is the next step for you after releasing this and what are you going to do about it?

• In your life, how has God already called you to be the shepherd?

Prayer:

Loving God, thank you for finding me when I am lost and lonely.  Help me to see those in need around me. Amen.