Do You Feel Lost in the Shuffle?
Do You Feel Lost in the Shuffle?
Author: Ayodeji Oludapo
Date: February 10, 2025
Scripture: "What do you think? If a man has a hundred sheep, and one of them goes astray, does he not leave the ninety-nine and go to the mountains to seek the one that is straying? And if he should find it, assuredly, I say to you, he rejoices more over that sheep than over the ninety-nine that did not go astray." (Matthew 18:12-13, NKJV)
Devotional Thoughts
Have you ever felt lost under the weight of sin, shame, guilt, and sorrow? Life has a way of throwing burdens at us, making us feel like we are lost in the shuffle—overlooked, forgotten, or unworthy of love. But Jesus tells a different story. He speaks of a shepherd who leaves the ninety-nine sheep to search for the one that is lost. That one sheep mattered. That one sheep was worth pursuing. And that one sheep is you.
The world often tells us that our mistakes define us. We carry guilt from past failures, shame from things we wish we could undo, and sorrow from wounds that feel too deep to heal. Yet, in the eyes of our Good Shepherd, none of these things disqualify us from His love. Instead, they are the very reason He came—to seek and to save the lost (Luke 19:10).
When the lost sheep wandered away, it likely didn’t intend to separate from the flock. It may have been distracted, overwhelmed, or simply taken a wrong step. Isn’t that how we often end up lost? One bad decision, one season of neglecting our faith, or one overwhelming sorrow, and suddenly, we feel so far from God. But the beauty of the Gospel is that we are never too far for Him to reach us.
Right now, the King of the universe is pursuing you with unwavering love. He longs to welcome you back into His everlasting arms. No matter how far you have strayed, His reach extends beyond your mistakes, and His grace is always enough to bring you home.
Practical Reflection
Recognize His Pursuit: If you feel distant from God today, remind yourself that He is actively seeking you. His love is relentless, and He desires to bring you back into His arms.
Let Go of Shame: The enemy wants you to believe that your past defines you. Jesus wants you to know that His grace is greater than your worst mistakes.
Rest in His Joy: When the shepherd finds the lost sheep, he rejoices. He doesn’t scold, condemn, or punish—it’s all about celebration and restoration. That’s how God responds when you return to Him.
Closing Thoughts
You are not lost in the shuffle of life. You are seen, known, and deeply loved by God. No matter how far you feel from Him, He is already on His way to find you. Will you allow Him to bring you home?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I often feel lost under the weight of my failures, regrets, and burdens. But today, I choose to believe that You are the Good Shepherd who seeks me out. Thank You for never giving up on me. Help me to trust in Your love, to let go of my shame, and to walk in the joy of being found by You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.