Hope for the Lost

Hey, y’all!

Christmas Day has come and gone, and the wrapping paper is probably still scattered around the house. The fridge is full of leftovers, and the excitement is starting to settle. But while we’re still in this season of joy and celebration, it’s a good time to remember those who feel like they’re still searching—those who feel lost, wandering, and maybe unsure if hope is even out there for them.

If you’ve ever been lost, you know how disorienting it can be. But the beautiful truth of the gospel is that no one is too far gone for God’s love to reach them. Jesus Himself came for the lost. In Luke 19:10, He says:

“For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.”

That’s the mission of Jesus in a nutshell—to find us, to save us, and to bring us home. And y’all, as His followers, we’re invited to join in that mission, sharing the hope we’ve found with those who need it most.

God’s Heart for the Lost

One of my favorite things about Jesus is how He went out of His way to seek people who were lost, broken, and overlooked. He talked with the woman at the well, dined with tax collectors, and healed those the world had forgotten. He didn’t wait for them to clean up their lives or figure things out. He met them where they were and offered them hope.

And that’s what He does for us, too. No matter how lost someone feels, God’s heart is always to bring them back. In 2 Peter 3:9, it says, “The Lord is... patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.”

Challenge: Think of someone in your life who seems far from God. Pray for them today. Ask God to show you how to love them and share hope with them.

Pray, Then Pray Some More

Prayer is one of the most powerful ways we can love the lost. Even when we don’t know what to say or do, we can lift them up to God. He knows their hearts, their struggles, and what they need. And He invites us to partner with Him in prayer.

James 5:16 tells us, “The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.” Your prayers matter. They plant seeds, open doors, and soften hearts in ways you might never see.

Action: Take a moment today to pray by name for someone who needs hope. Ask God to draw them close, reveal His love, and give them a heart open to Him.

Live Out Your Hope

Sometimes, sharing the gospel isn’t about preaching a sermon; it’s about living out the hope you have. People notice when you have a peace that doesn’t make sense, a joy that stands firm, and a hope that doesn’t waver, even when life gets hard. Your life might be the first gospel message someone hears.

In Matthew 5:16, Jesus says, “Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” Your kindness, your patience, your love—all of it points people to Jesus.

Tip: When you interact with someone who seems lost or discouraged, let your words and actions be full of grace and love. You never know how God might use your simple kindness to stir hope in their heart.

Be Ready to Share Your Story

You don’t have to have all the answers to share the gospel. Sometimes, the most powerful thing you can share is your own story of hope. How has God changed your life? How has He brought you peace, joy, or direction when you felt lost?

In 1 Peter 3:15, we’re reminded: “Always be prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect.” Your story is real, relatable, and powerful because it shows what God can do.

Challenge: Practice sharing your story in a few sentences. It doesn’t have to be perfect. Just be honest and ready for when God gives you an opportunity to share.

Never Give Up Hope

If you’ve been praying for someone for a long time and it seems like nothing’s changing, don’t give up. God is always working, even when we can’t see it. Remember, the story of the lost sheep (Luke 15:3-7) reminds us that God goes to great lengths to bring even one lost soul home.

Keep praying. Keep loving. Keep hoping. Because God’s love never gives up, and neither should we.

Prayer: “Lord, give me a heart for the lost. Help me to love them, pray for them, and share the hope You’ve given me. Open their hearts to Your love and lead them home.”

Y’all, the hope we have in Christ isn’t meant to be kept to ourselves. It’s meant to be shared. So let’s pray for the lost, live out our hope, and trust that God is reaching hearts in ways we can’t even imagine.

Blessings to you all!