During the many years I've worked with drug-addicted youth, I've never given up on anyone—until Sam. He had peculiar problems and was extremely rebellious. Without realizing it, I began to pull away from him. Then God alerted me to my wrong attitude.

I was staying overnight with friends when I lost a treasured ring. I hunted frantically for it. I even pulled the bed apart and remade it, but still no ring. Finally I thought, This hunt is consuming too much of my attention. I'm going to turn to God and His Word.

As I knelt by the bed, I opened my Bible to Luke 15 and began reading about the woman who hunted diligently for her lost coin. When I thought about the parable, it seemed as if God was saying, "You've given a lot of effort looking for your lost ring. Are you willing to work that hard seeking after Sam?" With closed eyes, I earnestly answered, "Yes, Lord, I am!"

When I opened my eyes, I discovered my ring on the bed not far from my Bible. How I rejoiced! But months later, the angels and I rejoiced far more over Sam, who at last turned his life over to Christ!

Ask yourself: Am I as diligent in searching for lost people as I am in searching for lost things?    — Joanie Yoder