Lost with Faith

It is one thing to be lost. Having a sense that all is gone and that you have been left out on your own to figure things out with little prospect of being “rescued”. I am sure that at some point all of us have felt that way and face it, panicked a little. I know that I have on a number of occasions. And then there is the times when you are lost, yet have faith and know that you are simply just turned around or that “rescue” is just around the corner.

My study this morning is about these very cases as I read in Matthew 15. Jesus is making His way along the road and a woman comes to Him seeking His help with her daughter. She was at a loss of what to do and how to proceed and was vigilant in her actions that Jesus could indeed help. The disciples, who were with Jesus were acting to protect Him and asked Jesus to send the woman away.

“²⁴He answered, ‘I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.’” – Matthew 15:24 (ESV)

This woman then came to Jesus, and pleaded with Him for help. And Jesus began a dialogue with the woman.

“²⁵But she came and knelt before him, saying, ‘Lord, help me.’ ²⁶And he answered, ‘It is not right to take the children’s bread and throw it to the dogs.’ ²⁷She said, ‘Yes, Lord, yet even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters’ table.’” – Matthew 15:25-27 (ESV)

This woman knew that she was not worthy of being in the presence of the LORD asking for His help. Yet, as with the woman who touched the robe of Jesus, she knew that He could help and this was her chance.

“²⁸Then Jesus answered her, ‘O woman, great is your faith! Be it done for you as you desire.’ And her daughter was healed instantly.” – Matthew 15:28 (ESV)

And just with the woman who touched His robe, Jesus recognized her faith and took action based on that faith.

Jesus will find us when we have faith that He will. He is always looking for me as one of His flock. I may get lost from time to time, yet, that is likely of my own doing. I have to remain in the LORD and have the faith that I will be “rescued”.

You will notice that I have put quotations around the word rescue throughout. I am simply indicating that the need and act of being helped is not always as grave as we would make it out to be. My being lost is not always going to be to the detriment of my ability to move forward. Sometimes I am just seeing myself as lost when in reality I am right where the LORD would have me be in that moment. I have to remember that when following God, the plan He has for me may not be the plan that I have or can sense in the moment. I have to continue with the faith that I will come out the other side just where He would have me. And that is the idea of being lost with faith. I will be lost on my own, yet with the LORD and faith in Him, I will always be found.

When you are lost, what is your reaction? Are you thinking “woe is me”? What if you were to lean on your faith in the LORD and know that you will found, and that where you are may be right where you are supposed to be?