Tag: lost

Posted in dreams

Navigating Dreams and Reality: Finding My Way

Posted on by William Douthwaite
Photo by Scarbor Siu on Unsplash

One of my recurring dreams is not being able to find a place where I need to be. In my dream, I’m wandering through a school, unable to find the next class on my schedule. Or I can’t find the room where I’m to take a test. Or my locker in halls lined with thousands of them. Sometimes I’m driving through a neighborhood and can’t find the house I’m scheduled to visit. Of course, I’ve only got a minute or two to find the right place. I always wake up before I reach my destination.

I experienced this in real life when I arrived for a bible class at a church on Thursday morning. I parked where other cars were parked and thought it would be easy to find my way to the location. But I only found locked doors and dark hallways.

Was this the right day? Was I at the right location? I brought up an email newsletter on my phone and confirmed the time and place.

Hmm. Let me try another entrance. I walked around checking door after door. No luck.

I drove around the other side of the building, parked in front, and went to the main front entrance. Surely they could help me. And the receptionist did. “Just follow me.” We wound our way through twisting hallways, past many doors and rooms, and finally arrived at the right spot. On my own I’d still be wandering those passageways!

It was just like my dreams. Except in real life, I found the place!

Posted in Life, Ministry

Compassion for the lost?

Posted on by William Douthwaite

In the same conversation I mentioned yesterday another question was posed: “How do you display compassion for the lost?” By “the lost,” we mean those who do not have saving faith in Jesus Christ.

Once again, it’s probably easier to see that in someone else than to see it in yourself. So what does that quality look like? Can you hear it in someone’s voice? Or see it in their actions? Jesus is, of course, the best example. When he shows up and sees a crowd of people, they looked lost to him, like sheep without a shepherd, so he immediately gets to work teaching, proclaiming, and healing (Matthew 9:35-36).

Here’s what I’d look for (not in any particular order):

  • Someone who listens and gets to know people.
  • Someone who truly cares about people and their situation.
  • Someone who’s confident that God’s love includes anyone and everyone.
  • Someone who’s willing to invest time and energy in a relationship.
  • Someone who understands the mercy of God in their own lives.

Are those things evident in my life? Sometimes. But honestly, sometimes not. There’s something to pray about.