In full transparency, there have been times when situations and circumstances overwhelmed me. I found myself trying to figure out the solution to each problem in and of myself. And therein lies the mistake. Because 1 Peter 5:7 New Living Translation says, “Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.” Thus, when I do what 1 Peter 5:7 has instructed — God leads and guides me. In fact, that is why His presence is so important. Hence, this podcast episode, HIM: The Importance of God’s Presence.
Are you a planner? I am. In my human nature, I want to plan what’s next. It’s a defense mechanism for me so that I can feel a sense of control over my life. But I have learned that my plans aren’t what God has planned for me.
You see, since the beginning of time—God had a plan for each one of us. And HIS plan involved HIM ineverything that concerns us. HE wants to be an infinite part of our lives. Because HE knows what’s best for us.
To begin with, the question on the table is, “Have you ever felt completely lost in life?” In other words, no matter how hard you tried you still couldn’t seem to find your way. When you think about it – did anyone show you any compassion? Hence this podcast episode – Lost and Found: The Compassion of Christ.
In general, most people have experienced a sense of helplessness at some point, even if they don’t admit it. No doubt, some of you may be feeling lost this very moment. To continue, others feel like they are a lost cause. But, I’m here to tell you – that is not true. In fact, you are valuable!
As we can see, Luke 12:7 Easy-to-Read Version says, “{Yes, God even knows how many hairs you have on your head. Don’t be afraid. You are worth much more than many birds.”
1-2 As Jesus was passing through Jericho, a man named Zacchaeus, one of the most influential Jews in the Roman tax-collecting business (and, of course, a very rich man), 3 tried to get a look at Jesus, but he was too short to see over the crowds. 4 So he ran ahead and climbed into a sycamore tree beside the road, to watch from there.
5 When Jesus came by, he looked up at Zacchaeus and called him by name! “Zacchaeus!” he said. “Quick! Come down! For I am going to be a guest in your home today!”6 Zacchaeus hurriedly climbed down and took Jesus to his house in great excitement and joy. 7 But the crowds were displeased. “He has gone to be the guest of a notorious sinner,” they grumbled.
8 Meanwhile, Zacchaeus stood before the Lord and said, “Sir, from now on I will give half my wealth to the poor, and if I find I have overcharged anyone on his taxes, I will penalize myself by giving him back four times as much!”
9-10 Jesus told him, “This shows that salvation has come to this home today. This man was one of the lost sons of Abraham, and I, the Messiah, have come to search for and to save such souls as his.”
Are you lost? Do you feel invisible? Have you ever wondered if your life matters to God? Well—IT DOES! And like Zacchaeus, HE KNOWS YOUR NAME! Zacchaeus was trying to get a glimpse of Jesus, trying to get noticed. He didn’t realize Jesus had already noticed him.
Although it may not seem like it, God notices you too. So much so, God knows the number of hairs on your head—which is proof that He’s paying attention. He has a compassionate love for you!
