Was Lost and Now Found

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"I tell you that in the same way, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance." Luke 15:7
"In the same way, I tell you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents." Luke 15:10
"For this son of mine was dead and has come to life again; he was lost and has been found.’ And they began to celebrate." Luke 15:24

Yesterday I received a message from a high school friend whom I haven't contacted since literally the day of high school graduation. So the mere pop up of her message on Facebook surprised me, but when I opened the message, the true surprise was within. After a few sentences of "small talk", she told me that she has confirmed her faith in Christ AND she is getting baptized this Sunday! WOW. I just started celebrating. As I kept reading her message, I was incredibly encouraged. She told me she wanted to share this news with me because she remembered that I was open about my faith in high school and I had told her that I'd pray for her, and though she didn't understand it then, she understands it now and is thankful for it. WOW. WHAT! I could not even believe it, because 1) I'm not even sure if I really did pray for her or if I just said that I would 2) I'm pretty sure high school me wasn't REALLY trying to evangelize. However, God is just THAT amazing. You never know when the seeds you've planted will grow, so never cease to plant seeds. 

After some reflection, it also brought some convictions of guilt. I realized that the reason why Christians, myself included, are not actively evangelizing is because we think that we will not be reciprocated with a positive response, so we rather not share. But the truth is, after you share, God will take care of the rest, but if you don't share, that soul's eternal death is on your hands. 

Moreover, I thought about how excited I was for my friend, more excited than I would be about a stranger, because I know her and have known her, but can you imagine God's excitement? And His excitement when ANYONE returns to His throne? Because He knows every single one of them and loves every one of them?

Lord, teach me to love like You love.

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