Derailed

I had the priviledge of volunteering at and attending the Joel Osteen night of hope yesterday. Interestingly, I got the most out of all the amazing interactions I had with people I know and new people I met. It was wonderful to see all the positive interactions and feel the power of a room full of people praising God. In the midst of all the great conversations and messages of the evening, one concept has continued to echo:

You can never get completely derailed from God's plan for your life as long as you continue to place Him first in your life.

This message was articulated in many, many ways. Concepts of a disease trying to derail us, of a storm trying to blow us off course, of feeling you are too far gone to come back. All of these things are just moments, seasons, temporary shifts, and sometimes purposeful lessons. What these are not is the end of your destiny.

Luke tell us in 15:4, "Suppose one of you had a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Doesn't he leave the night-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it?" ... 15:7 "I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over nighty-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent." (NIV)

Reach your arms out to all who are lost, use your testimony, and help make a joyful noise in heaven. When you are lost you will be found!