George Whitefield (1714–1770) was a famous... - All The Good Seed Daily Devotionals for 2026

For the Son of Man has come to save that which was lost.
Matthew 18:11

George Whitefield (1714–1770) was a famous preacher in England. It is estimated that he preached about 30,000 sermons to almost 10 million people in his lifetime.
This man had a brother who didn’t want to know anything about God and lived accordingly. There came a day when he began to think about God, but he was unable to believe in His forgiveness in view of the great guilt he had become aware of. One day he was a guest of some friends. Knowing how desperate he was, his hostess introduced him to the grace of God that came through Jesus Christ – but in vain. Finally, depressed and despondent, he said, “My lady, I know that what you are telling me is true. The grace of God is infinite. But it is not for me. I am too corrupt and bad for that. I am lost.”

His host smiled, “I am glad to hear that you are lost.”

Indignant, he retorted, “What do you mean you’re glad?”

“Yes,” she said, “because that is precisely why Jesus Christ came into the world. He came to seek and to save that which is lost. So, there is hope for you!”

Perhaps there is someone reading these words who may also be considered a “black sheep” in their family, one who has been put out or written off. You may have given up on yourself as hopeless or think that all insight has come too late. But there is hope – because Jesus Christ came precisely for those who know they are lost! He said, “The one who comes to Me I will by no means cast out” (John 6:37).

So, if you fear that you are lost – there is hope for you!

Today’s reading: Deuteronomy 31:7-18 · Ephesians 1:1-8