One of the worst feelings in the world is when you lose something important. The other day, I was taking out the trash and accidentally threw my phone in the dumpster. It wasn’t until later that I noticed it was missing, so I used the “Find My iPhone” app to see that it was somewhere near the bin. Sure enough, I went outside, looked in the trash, and there it was. Let’s just say I had a fun little dumpster dive that night.
In Luke chapter 15, Jesus tells multiple parables, one being the Parable of the lost coin. Jesus says, “Suppose a woman has ten silver coins and loses one. Doesn’t she light a lamp, sweep the house and search carefully until she finds it? And when she finds it, she calls her friends and neighbors together and says, ‘Rejoice with me; I have found my lost coin.’ In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.” (Luke 15:8-10)
What is powerful about this parable is the fact that the woman searched carefully, turned on every light, swept every corner, and she didn’t stop until she found it. Even though she had nine other coins, the lost coin never lost its value so she was determined to find it. Why? Because it mattered to her.
Maybe you have believed the lie that you don’t matter to God. You have done too many wrongs. You have gone too far. You have crossed lines that you swore you’d never cross again. Maybe you beat the addiction for a while, but the temptation overtook you again. Life hit in an unexpected way, and it’s hard to believe in a God who would allow you to go through such heartbreak.
I have good news. Jesus is waiting with open arms ready not only to forgive you, but to redeem your story and use every part of what you go through. (Romans 8:28)
Just like I was willing to dive into the trashcan to get my phone back, God’s love is running after you, chasing you down because of how much you matter to Him. You have not lost your value. Heaven is waiting to throw you a party, not because of what you can do, but simply because of who you are.
So today, protect what’s valuable. Protect your peace, your joy, and your identity in Christ. Don’t let what matters most get buried under busyness, shame, or the distractions from this world. Proverbs 4:23 says, “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.”
Jesus paid the ultimate price so we would not just survive, but live life to the fullest. (John 10:10) Now, this priceless treasure of grace is ours, and it’s our responsibility to protect it through faithful obedience.
The Bigger Picture: God never stops searching for what is valuable to Him.
The Bigger Picture 