By Michele Eich
When my daughter lost her keychain, God used it as a great opportunity to reveal Himself in a powerful way.
My daughter came home for Christmas break bearing gifts of laundry. I was happy to have her back in the nest along with my other children. My girl hadn’t been home long when she asked, “Mom, have you seen my keychain?” She had her apartment key, college ID, and special charm on the ring, so losing these items would be costly in more ways than one. I had not seen them, but I figured they would eventually show up as many lost items do.
The weeks passed, and we forgot about the keychain until she had to go back to school to get ready for the next semester. At this time, I had been reading a book by Robby Dawkins entitled, Do What Jesus Did. I had just read a chapter where Robby wrote about helping people find lost items. When he sees a person looking around in search for something, he uses it as an opportunity to pray with them. When they are found, it is a great way to share the love of Jesus with people who are relieved to find their treasures. Like many college students, my daughter was questioning and perhaps even doubting the existence of God. Sometimes the things that our children learn at college can be challenging to their faith, and I could tell that she was wavering.
I decided to be bold and said, “You know, I am reading this book about doing what Jesus did. In one chapter, the author was praying for people who have lost something.
Let’s give it a try. Father, in Jesus’ name I ask You to reveal to her where the keychain is. You know the exact location, and you care about the things my daughter cares about. Let her know how much You love her by showing her where the key is. Amen.”
Now in moments like these, I really want God to show up. My faith was solid, but I wanted my daughter to experience His great love for her by revealing where the lost item was. I wanted her to see faith in action and demonstrate how we can go to God with any need, big or small.
I went about my day and did not think of it again. Outside the snow fell, and my husband was not sure he wanted to take any chances. He and my daughter went back and forth about whether they would take the hour long drive back to her college. With the weather being less than ideal for road conditions and no key to her apartment, they were not sure about leaving the comfort of our home. It was the kind of day to hunker down inside and enjoy hot cocoa and cookies by the fire. That was my plan anyway.
Later in the day, I thought of the lost item. I prayed, “Okay Lord, what about the keychain? I want my girl to see Your hand in this. I don’t need to remind You, but please let her know where it is. It’s important to her.” As soon as I had finished praying, I looked out the window and saw the taillights of our truck beaming through the snow. They decided to go for it and headed out. Just then my phone buzzed with a notification. It was a picture from my daughter. I had a smile on my face as I opened it. Right there on my phone was a beautiful image of my daughter’s keychain in her hand! My heart swelled with joy at the goodness and faithfulness of God to reveal the exact location in His perfect timing. I replied, “That is awesome, honey. He loves you so much!” I then danced around the kitchen in gratitude.
Later that day my husband recounted the story. My daughter got in the truck then reached around to the pocket on the back of the driver’s seat and pulled out the keychain! She stared at it with a dumbfounded look on her face then laughed at this amazing discovery. It was in a place where no one could see, but God knew exactly where it was and nudged her to reach back there. Simply amazing!
God loves when what was lost is found. We see great examples of this in Luke 15. The first is of the lost sheep where Jesus talks about leaving the 99 for the one. Next, we have the parable of the lost coin where our Lord talked about how much a woman rejoiced after finding her treasure. The third is the powerful parable of the prodigal son.
Again, God loves to find lost things, but finding lost people is what He loves most. A great celebration in Heaven happens when one of His precious children comes home. The last verse in that chapter says this: “‘My son,’ the father said, ‘you are always with me, and everything I have is yours. But we had to celebrate and be glad, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.'” (Luke 15:31, 32.)
Because my daughter saw God’s hand move in her life that blustery winter day, she began a journey back to Him. More important than a keychain, my girl was found by Jesus.
Looking for a way to connect with God daily? CLICK HERE to check out our new daily devotional: Living in Truth Mind, Body, Spirit.
To learn more about Michele or contact her, please visit www.MicheleEich.com or www.20VoicesofRecovery.com.
