by Erika Bethea
The Word:
“…or what woman, if she has ten silver coins and loses one coin, does not light a lamp and sweep the house and search carefully until she finds it? And when she has found it, she calls together her friends and neighbors saying, ‘rejoice with me, for I have found the coin which I had lost!’ 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: 8-10 - NASB
The Story:
God’s grace led me to One by way of a singles’ event. I was not dating at the time I attended the event, but I wanted to understand how to create, maintain and recognize healthy relationships. During that event, I met like-minded people who were also serious about developing healthy relationships with both God and those they might be dating. Soon after the event I began reading Pastor Conway and Jada’s first book and I began to understand more about God’s definition of a godly man and a godly woman.
The Reflection:
In Luke, God tells us He values the return of one person to the flock, despite there being many in His kingdom. The return of just one is cause to celebrate. Reading this passage made me realize that to be lost, you must have once been a part of something. It feels fantastic to be a part of something godly again!
The Application:
I became a member at One after 10 years without a church home. I was one of those lost coins, sought out, but not forsaken. The One family lovingly welcomed me home. I challenge you to examine what areas of your life are “lost” that God wants you to find? Take time this week to list three areas where you need growth in order to be “found.”
The Prayer:
Lord, thank you for chasing after me and bringing me back into a body of believers. Your love is everlasting, and I pray that you would help me to show that same love to others.
