Searching for the Runaways (Lost Dogs - part 2)

When our dogs, Beamer and Kari, escaped from the backyard, feelings that neared panic arose in us and the search began. Unlike many urban areas, driving up and down the streets calling our beloved pup’s names would not be sufficient. Our neighborhood is surrounded by land that includes two large ponds and an abundance of trees and bushes. Beyond this area, also encircling our neighborhood, is a large beautiful golf course. These areas provide ample space for the dogs to run and explore, making a search for them difficult. The easement beyond our backyard fence leads directly to these beautiful areas.

Our first step in the search was to alert the golf course staff that the dogs were out and could find their way onto the course. Showing great concern, the staff agreed to be on the lookout and took our phone numbers with a promise to contact us if the dogs were sighted.

 Because motor vehicles presented one of the greatest dangers to our pups, one of the searchers drove through the streets of our neighborhood. Eyes were peeled for any glimpse of white movement that could indicate the presence of the dogs. While this person searched from a vehicle, other available searchers walked the areas around our subdivision calling the dogs by name and searching for that same glimpse of white fur.

As the search continued, we received a call from our neighbor that Beamer had returned with a dead chicken and was now in their yard. (The chicken did not appear to be freshly killed, but Beamer seemed proud to present his conquered prey to us.) My son quickly disposed of the chicken and ushered Beamer into the safety of our house. It was several hours later when my husband entered the search that Kari was found.

During the hours that ensued, we printed and put up posters with pictures of Kari. We alerted the local police as to her absence. And we also contacted a local animal shelter where someone may have turned her in if she had been found by a stranger. Our phone numbers were in the hands of several people who were outside during our search and promised to be on the lookout. Two of the strangers willingly joined in the search.

 Kari was finally found when my husband took Beamer out on the search. He allowed Beamer to lead the way and continued calling Kari’s name. Suddenly out of the bushes appeared a little white dog with golden patches. She ran up to David and Beamer and laid on her back waiting for her belly to be scratched. With a quick phone call to alleviate my concern, David brought her home after nearly 10 hours of being lost.

When we stray away from the will of God, He is constantly looking forward to the time that we will return to Him. Jesus stated, ^“I am the Good Shepherd. The Good Shepherd risks and lays down His [own] life for the sheep.” (John 10:11 AMP) We are the sheep of whom he is speaking. He also said, “What do you think? If a man has a hundred sheep, and one of them has gone astray and gets lost, will he not leave the ninety-nine on the mountain and go in search of the one that is lost? And if it should be that he finds it, truly I say to you, he rejoices more over it than over the ninety-nine that did not get lost. Just so it is not the will of My Father Who is in heaven that one of these little ones should be lost and perish.” (Matthew 18:12-14 AMP) God Himself seeks to restore each one of us to His family and the safety of His home.

Like our neighbors who walked through the area calling the dog’s names and my husband enlisting the help of Beamer, the Lord has enlisted the help of His children in search of those who have fallen away. Jesus commanded us to pray, “So pray to the Lord of the harvest to force out and thrust laborers into His harvest.” (Matthew 9:38 AMP) We pray and God sends. Many of us have at one time or another strayed away from the perfect will of God. Once we come back, we can be used by God to rescue those who remain away from Him. The greatest duty and honor we have as Christians is to bring other people into a close relationship with Jesus Christ. Like the apostle Andrew our response should always be to go find others and bring them into the family of God. “He first sought out and found his own brother Simon and said to him, We have found (discovered) the Messiah!—which translated is the Christ (the Anointed One).  Andrew then led (brought) Simon to Jesus.” (John 1:41-42a AMP) We are uniquely qualified to go to the people that we know and share the love of Jesus with them.

Our Heavenly Father longs for those who have strayed from His perfect plan. He is waiting with open arms, both for those who have never met Him and for those of us who have strayed a little bit off His chosen path. Jesus came into this world to pay the price for all of our wanderings. He calls us by name and tells us not to fear. “…Fear not, for I have redeemed you [ransomed you by paying a price instead of leaving you captives]; I have called you by your name; you are Mine.” (Isaiah 43:1 AMP) God will welcome us home, providing all the benefits that come with being a child of God.

If you have strayed from God, know that He is longingly waiting to show His great love upon your return. If you know someone who has strayed, join our Heavenly Father in the search and lead your friend home.