Not Lost

Jesus explained to the Nephites and the Lamanites they were the people He was speaking of when He told His disciples in Jerusalem, “Other sheep I have which are not of this fold” (3 Nephi 15:17, 21, John 10:16). He added that there were additional people in other places who He would yet visit:

I have other sheep, which are not of this land, neither of the land of Jerusalem, neither in any parts of that land round about whither I have been to minister.

For they of whom I speak are they who have not as yet heard my voice; neither have I at any time manifested myself unto them.

But I have received a commandment of the Father that I shall go unto them, and that they shall hear my voice, and shall be numbered among my sheep, that there may be one fold and one shepherd; therefore I go to show myself unto them.

3 Nephi 16:1-3

He subsequently referred to these other sheep as “the lost tribes of Israel,” but He quickly added this clarification:

They are not lost unto the Father, for he knoweth whither he hath taken them.

3 Nephi 17:4

What a simple yet powerful insight! The lost tribes aren’t really lost, not from God’s perspective. We may call them “lost” because we don’t know where they are, but God knows, and He reaches out to save them, however distant or hidden they may be.

When we feel misplaced, neglected, or disoriented, it might be wise for us to remember the Savior’s assurance that God knows where we are. We may feel lost at times, but we are not lost to Him.

Elder Karl D. Hirst said, “Being loved is definitely not the same as feeling loved.” Then, he added:

I wonder, if Jesus were to choose a place where you and he could meet, a private place, where you’d be able to have a singular focus on him, might he choose your unique place of personal suffering, the place of your deepest need, where no one else can go; somewhere you feel so lonely that you must truly be all alone, but you aren’t quite; a place to which perhaps only he has traveled, but actually has already prepared to meet you there when you arrive? If you’re waiting for him to come, might he already be there and within reach?

“Rejoice and Be Filled with Love,” General Conference, October 2024

Today, I will l remember that I am not lost, because I have an all-knowing and perfectly loving Savior. I will remember that my Father in Heaven always knows where I am, physically and spiritually, and that His love for me is constant and enduring.