I thought leaving the 99 to go after the 1 was crazy – until I was the 1.

If you follow me on Instagram, you may have seen today’s devotional about when Jesus recommended leaving the 99 safe sheep to go after the 1 who had wandered into unsafe territory:

¹² “What do you think? If any man has a hundred sheep, and one of them has gone astray, does he not leave the ninety-nine on the mountains and go and search for the one that is straying?

¹³ “If it turns out that he finds it, truly I say to you, he rejoices over it more than over the ninety-nine which have not gone astray.”

Matthew 8:12-14 NASB

I used to think that sounded like crazy-talk! Until I was the 1 needing rescued.

Funny how our perspective changes, isn’t it?

When we’re the 1 needing something, it can make us more sensitive to that same need in others, you know? For example, have you ever felt left out and alone in a crowd? Has it made you take notice of someone else who may be feeling left out and alone in a similar setting now?

I want to encourage you to consider who your 1 is. Who do you know who needs your help, your attention, and your dedication in this season?

Can you look them in the eye, give them your time, prayerfully seek to meet a need they have?

If you missed today’s short Instagram devotional, definitely go check it out – I talk more about this concept of leaving the 99 for the 1 and I think you’ll appreciate it this week, especially if any of your children are the 1.

Or maybe your 1 isn’t a child – maybe your 1 is a spouse, a parent or grandparent, a friend, or just someone who popped into your heart as you’ve been reading this email.

I’m not talking about being a doormat if someone is taking advantage of you – that’s definitely not healthy! But if you know someone who’s hurting or who needs more of you, can you leave your crowd of 99 people and activities that are already safe, just for a little bit, to gently pursue the 1?

If you aren’t sure who your 1 is, pray about it and keep your eyes peeled. God always sends someone when our hearts are ready to receive them!

Keep in mind that your 1 may vary from week to week, or even from hour to hour. It’s okay if your own 1 is your child now, a parent tomorrow morning, your job from 9-5, a friend or different family member tomorrow evening, and the person at the grocery store the morning after that.

Who’s your 1? Share in the comments!